At least 15 people were killed and dozens injured when the roof of a nightclub collapsed early Tuesday in the Dominican Republic, according to emergency management officials.
Authorities reported that rescuers made 101 ambulance rides to hospitals following the incident at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the capital. Due to the high number of injuries, ambulances initially transported two or three individuals at a time, indicating that more than 100 people were injured, as stated by Juan Manuel Méndez, the director of the Emergency Operations Center, in an Instagram video shared by the national police.
“We are taking out the people we can rescue alive,” Mr. Méndez said. “You can hear people asking to be helped.” Search and rescue operations were ongoing, according to authorities shortly before 7 a.m.
Rubby Pérez, a merengue singer, was scheduled to perform at the club on Monday night, as noted on Jet Set’s Instagram account. Videos circulating on social media and verified by The New York Times showed Mr. Pérez performing when a large chandelier dropped from the ceiling, causing panic among the crowd. Another video captured the aftermath, revealing extensive destruction with rubble covering the stage and dance floor as rescuers searched the wreckage.
When asked about Mr. Pérez's condition at a news briefing, authorities stated they were still gathering information on those injured.
“Our city wakes up to a terrible tragedy,” Carolina MejÃa de Garrigó, the mayor of Santo Domingo, wrote on social media, extending her condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
Jet Set, which has been open for more than 45 years, is one of the most famous clubs in the Dominican Republic, particularly known for its Monday shows, a staple of live music in the city.