Santo Domingo: More than 100 people are trapped after a nightclub roof collapsed in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Rescue teams are working nonstop to reach those stuck beneath the rubble.
At least 27 people have died and dozens more are injured in the disaster.
The collapse happened during a live performance early Tuesday at the Jet Set nightclub.
Authorities say around 300 people were inside when the roof caved in.
Search Efforts Ongoing
Rescuers have pulled 138 people out alive, the government confirmed in an official statement.
Emergency workers continue searching through debris for the missing.
Families have gathered at the site, sharing photos of loved ones still unaccounted for.
Ambulances have been transporting the injured to local hospitals for treatment.
Aerial footage shows a large hole in the club’s roof where the audience had gathered.
Notable Victim Identified
Among the dead is Nelsy Cruz, a government official and relative of baseball star Nelson Cruz.
President Luis Abinader confirmed her death and offered condolences on social media.
The club collapse occurred at around 1 a.m. while a live band played on stage.
The performer at the time was well-known merengue artist Rubby Pérez and his orchestra.
Officials say panic broke out as the roof came down on the crowded audience.
Captured on Video
Footage from inside the club shows the band playing as someone points to falling debris.
Moments later, lights and ceiling beams begin collapsing, triggering screams and chaos.
The entire roof crashes down as the video abruptly cuts to black.
Rescuers say Pérez survived and was found alive beneath the rubble.
His daughter said he began singing so rescuers could locate him.
Presidential Response
President Abinader visited the club Tuesday morning with First Lady Raquel Arbaje.
He posted a message expressing deep sorrow over the deadly incident.
“All rescue agencies are working nonstop,” he wrote, thanking those helping the victims.
The First Lady also expressed support for grieving families.
Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó described the collapse as a “terrible tragedy.”
Community in Shock
The Jet Set nightclub is one of the country’s most iconic music venues.
Monday nights usually attract large crowds for live performances.
Locals are reeling from the sudden disaster at such a popular location.
Rescue crews from several agencies have joined the search effort.
Emergency Operations Center chief Juan Manuel Méndez is coordinating ongoing rescue efforts.
Investigations Underway
Authorities have not yet identified the exact cause of the roof collapse.
Investigators are expected to inspect the structural integrity of the building.
Engineers and safety teams are on-site checking for further risks.
Officials plan to release a full report after the rescue mission ends.
The tragedy has prompted calls for stronger safety inspections in public venues.
Survivors Share Stories
Some survivors described the moment as “unreal” and “terrifying.”
One concertgoer said they saw the ceiling move before everything went dark.
Another survivor recalled crawling out from beneath broken furniture.
Rescue teams reported hearing voices under the rubble during the morning.
Efforts are ongoing to recover anyone still alive beneath the wreckage.
International Attention
News of the collapse has gained attention beyond the Dominican Republic.
Messages of sympathy have poured in from neighboring countries and global leaders.
International rescue groups have offered support and equipment.
The event has reignited debates about building safety across the Caribbean.
Many are asking whether the tragedy could have been prevented.
