Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapses at least 27 people died and 160 injured – National

Authorities said at least 27 people died and more than 160 were injured after a nightclub collapsed in the Dominican Republic earlier Tuesday.

Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center, said staff were searching for rubble in Santo Domingo to find potential survivors.

“We think many of them are alive, which is why the authorities here won't give up until no one left that rubble,” he said.

According to the country's National Police Service, the roof collapsed at midnight on Tuesday.

Police said 46 people were rescued as of 5 a.m.

Officials said Melenger singer Rubby Pérez, who performed when the roof collapsed, was injured.

Get national news

For news that affects Canada and around the world, please sign up for breaking news alerts that were sent directly to you at the time.

Pérez's manager Enrique Paulino, whose shirt was covered in blood, told reporters on the scene that the concert began shortly before midnight, killing the group's saxophone player nearly an hour after the roof collapsed.

“It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner,” he said, who initially thought it was an earthquake.

President Luis Abinder wrote on X that rescuers “work tirelessly” to help victims.

“We deeply regret the tragedy that happened in a jet nightclub. We have been following the events in a minute since it happened.”

According to the Associated Press, an official stood outside the hospital where the victim was being treated, referring to the survivor's name as a crowd, looking for loved ones.

The cause of roof collapse is under study.

Global News has been linked with Canadian Global Affairs to see if any Canadians are affected by the collapse.

– Documents with the Associated Press

& Copy 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.