Puerto Rico: A devastating roof collapse at a popular nightclub in the Dominican Republic's capital left at least 79 people dead and 160 others injured, authorities confirmed Tuesday. The incident occurred during a merengue concert at the one-story Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, attended by numerous high-profile individuals, including politicians and athletes.

The collapse took place around midnight, trapping concertgoers under rubble as rescuers worked tirelessly to search for survivors. By Tuesday night, emergency crews were still clearing debris, hoping to find more people alive. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, stated that crews were focusing on three specific areas of the nightclub where sounds had been detected.

“The search continues, and we will not stop until we are certain no one is left behind,” Méndez said. Despite nearly 12 hours of intense rescue efforts, the death toll continued to rise, with officials confirming at least 66 deaths by late afternoon. Many of the injured were transported to nearby hospitals, though their conditions remain unclear.

Among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz. Cruz had called President Luis Abinader early in the morning to report that she was trapped in the nightclub after the roof collapsed. She died later in the hospital. Other notable victims included former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican baseball player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, both of whom were killed in the collapse.

Merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the roof fell, was initially thought to have been rescued, but authorities later confirmed that he was still missing, with rescue teams continuing their search.

The cause of the collapse remains unclear, and questions about the nightclub's safety inspections are still unanswered. The club’s owner, Antonio Espaillat, was reportedly out of the country at the time but returned later to assist with the investigation. 

In response to the tragedy, President Abinader expressed his condolences, assuring the public that all available resources were being used in the search for survivors. “We are working tirelessly, and we pray for the safety of those still trapped,” he said, arriving at the scene to offer support to grieving families.

A makeshift morgue was set up near the club, and hundreds of people lined up to donate blood, as families anxiously awaited news of their loved ones. Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son attended the concert and has not yet returned home, was among those waiting outside, holding on to hope.

Massiel Cuevas, the godmother of a 22-year-old woman believed to be trapped in the rubble, clung to the belief that her loved one would be found alive. "I know she's in there. I have faith she'll be rescued," Cuevas said. AP