A tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has left at least 98 people dead and over 150 injured. The incident occurred during the early hours of Tuesday during a live performance by famous merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who is also reported among the deceased.

Several notable figures lost their lives, including former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel and Monte Cristi’s governor, Nelsy Cruz, sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz. Dotel, 51, was pulled from the rubble but died en route to the hospital.

Authorities report that hundreds were inside the venue at the time, and over 400 rescue personnel continue to search for survivors under the debris. Emergency officials remain hopeful that some individuals may still be alive beneath the collapsed structure.

Witnesses described the moment of collapse as sudden and devastating, with many initially mistaking it for an earthquake. Disturbing videos from the scene captured the chaos, including a moment when a person near the stage pointed to the ceiling moments before it caved in.

President Luis Abinader has extended his condolences to the victims’ families as the nation mourns one of the deadliest nightclub incidents in its history.