Nightclub roof collapse in Dominican Republic kills at least 79, injures over 150

A devastating roof collapse at a crowded nightclub in the Dominican Republic’s capital has left at least 79 people dead and more than 150 others injured, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

The tragedy occurred during a packed evening event at the popular Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo. Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as the building’s roof suddenly gave way, trapping dozens beneath the rubble.

Emergency crews worked through the night in a desperate search for survivors, digging through debris and using heavy machinery under floodlights. Officials said 155 people were injured, many seriously, and warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continued.

“We heard a loud crack, and then the ceiling just collapsed,” said one survivor, who managed to crawl to safety. “People were screaming and running in all directions.”

The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, though early reports suggest possible structural failure in the decades-old building. Authorities have launched a formal inquiry and promised accountability.

President Luis Abinader expressed condolences to the victims’ families and declared a national day of mourning. “This is a tragedy that has shaken the entire nation,” he said in a televised address.

Loved ones gathered outside hospitals and the disaster site, hoping for news of the missing as the country grapples with one of its deadliest civilian disasters in recent years.