Roof of entertainment venue collapses in Dominican Republic! 79 dead
The roof of a popular nightclub in the capital of the Dominican Republic has collapsed; at least 79 people have lost their lives, and more than 160 people have been injured. A three-day period of mourning has been declared.
AA
In a tragic incident in the Dominican Republic, one of the Caribbean's popular nations, the number of people who lost their lives following the collapse of the roof of an entertainment venue has reached 79.
According to information reported by CNN, it was stated that there were approximately 300 people inside the popular venue named "Jet Set" in the capital, Santo Domingo, when the roof collapsed.
Emergency Operations Center (COE) Director Juan Manuel Mendez announced in a statement that 79 people who remained under the rubble following the collapse had lost their lives.
Following the incident, while search and rescue teams continued their work in the wreckage, approximately 160 people were pulled from the rubble as injured and transported to hospitals.
A temporary morgue and blood donation point were established in the area. According to Mendez's statement, the gravity of the situation was laid bare with the words, "People's cries for help were heard" at the moment of the incident, and "As long as there is hope for life, all authorities will try to save these people."
It was reported that among those who lost their lives in the disaster was Octavio Dotel, one of the former stars of Major League Baseball (MLB).
Information was also shared that Dominican artist Rubby Perez and his orchestra were performing on stage at the moment of the collapse.
In aerial footage taken when the sun rose, it was clearly seen that a major collapse had occurred right in the middle of the venue. The cause of the incident is being investigated as part of an official inquiry.
THREE DAYS OF MOURNING DECLARED
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced that he has declared 3 days of national mourning following the disaster.
Abinader, who went to the scene to conduct inspections, expressed his deep sorrow, stating, "All rescue organizations have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts."
"Jet Set" was known as one of the country's most popular entertainment centers, especially with events held on Monday nights.