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A devastating tragedy struck the heart of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, early Tuesday morning when the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub collapsed during a live music performance. The disaster claimed the lives of at least 98 people and left over 220 others injured, shaking the nation and prompting a national period of mourning.

The collapse occurred around 1 a.m. during a performance by famed merengue artist Rubby Pérez. Eyewitness accounts and footage from inside the venue suggest the disaster unfolded quickly and without warning. One video shows audience members pointing out signs of structural failure moments before the ceiling gave way. The footage captures the horrifying seconds in which the lights began to fall and the roof came crashing down, sending the crowd into chaos.

Authorities reported that approximately 300 people were in attendance at the time. Emergency services responded swiftly, with more than 22 public agencies joining rescue and recovery efforts. The Emergency Operations Center’s director, Juan Manuel Méndez, emphasized the urgency of their work, stating that rescue crews would not stop until every piece of debris was searched and every person accounted for.

As the news unfolded, the death toll revealed the scope of the loss, including two former Major League Baseball players. Octavio Dotel, a widely respected figure both on and off the field, was rescued from the rubble but succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital. His passing was mourned by the baseball community and the school he founded, which highlighted the deep and lasting impact he had on his students and staff. Tony Blanco, another former major leaguer, was also confirmed among the deceased, his death announced by both MLB and Dominican sports officials.

The tragedy reached even further into the nation's leadership. Nelsy Cruz, governor of Monte Cristi province and a relative of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, was also killed. Additionally, the son of the Minister of Public Works, Eduardo Estrella, remains missing, adding to the deep emotional toll on the country's political and civic community.

As family members waited outside the ruins of the collapsed structure, many shared photos of their missing loved ones, clinging to hope for any sign of survival. Ambulances raced back and forth between the scene and area hospitals, while rescue teams worked through the day and night to clear debris and search for those still unaccounted for.

President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning to honor the victims. Accompanied by First Lady Raquel Arbaje, he visited the site to pay respects and speak with victims' families. In a heartfelt message, he expressed his sorrow and affirmed that every available resource was being used in the ongoing rescue operation. City Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó described the tragedy as a dark day for Santo Domingo and extended condolences to the families anxiously awaiting news.

Jet Set nightclub has long been a landmark in the Dominican music and nightlife scene. Known for hosting some of the biggest names in merengue and Latin music, its Monday night events drew large crowds. Its collapse has not only left a physical scar in the city but also a deep emotional wound in the hearts of Dominicans and the broader Latin American community.

Investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing. While speculation about structural failures or lack of maintenance has begun to surface, officials have urged the public to wait for the results of a formal investigation. Meanwhile, the focus remains on rescuing the missing, supporting the injured, and mourning those lost.

This disaster, with its wide-reaching impact across sports, politics, and everyday life, has united the Dominican Republic in grief and solidarity. Vigils and memorials are being organized across the country as people come together to remember the lives lost in what has become one of the deadliest peacetime tragedies in recent Dominican history.

As the days unfold, the nation will continue to seek answers and accountability. For now, it mourns the loss of life and prays for the safe return of those still missing under the rubble of what was once a place of celebration and music.