CNN
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At least 18 people were killed and dozens more were injured after the roof of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic collapsed early Tuesday, according to emergency services officials.
More than 100 people have been rescued alive from the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the country’s capital, said Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center. At least 300 people were inside the venue at the time the roof collapsed, he added, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
The roof caved in at around 1 a.m. local time while merengue artist Rubby Pérez and his orchestra were performing on stage, authorities said.
Luis Abinader, the Dominican president, traveled to the nightclub later Tuesday morning with his wife, First Lady Raquel Arbaje, to express their condolences to the victims.
“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub,” Abinader wrote on X. “All rescue agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”
Carolina Mejía de Garrigó, the city’s mayor, said Santo Domingo was waking “to a terrible tragedy,” offering her condolences to families “still waiting for news of their loved ones.”
The Jet Set nightclub is one of the Caribbean nation’s most famous venues, and its Monday night events are especially well attended.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
