A famous singer has been injured after the roof of a nightclub collapsed during her performance, killing 15 people and burying 70.
Merengue singer Rubby Perez, who was performing when the roof collapsed at the Jet Set club in the Dominican capital Santo Domingo, has been rescued from the rubble and sustained unknown injuries.
Footage shared on social media shows Perez performing on stage when parts of the ceiling came crushing down on the dancing crowd and the performers.
Perez’s daughter, Zulinka Perez, previously told reporters that she was at the event and that her father was still trapped inside the club.
Zulinka recalled that one of the band’s backup singers and her husband were lying over her. Her husband urged her to leave first to ensure that their children had someone to look after them in the event he didn’t survive.
‘He told me, “Babe get out so the child won’t be alone if this whole thing falls down. I crawled out”,’ Zulinka said.
Crews are currently searching for potential survivors in the rubble early Tuesday, according to Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations.
‘We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble,’ he said.
Merengue singer Rubby Perez, who was performing when the roof collapsed at the Jet Set club in the Dominican capital Santo Domingo, has been rescued from the rubble and sustained unknown injuries
Footage shared on social media shows Perez performing on stage when parts of the ceiling came crushing down on the dancing crowd and the performers
Pictured: The aftermath after the collapse
‘Unfortunately, we have had 15 deaths so far… we are hopeful of finding many more people alive,’ Mendez added.
He did not provide details on the number of injured, which local media reported included dozens of people.
Mendez added that there were people trapped in the rubble asking for help. More than 370 rescuers are working to search for victims.
Authorities have not reported the approximate number of people who were in the nightclub, which local media said holds a concert or party every Monday night.
President Luis Abinader said on X that the government has ‘been following the case minute by minute since it happened.’
‘All rescue agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the families affected,’ he added.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.