Tragedy Strikes in Santo Domingo
The popular Dominican merengue artist Rubby Pérez was found alive following the tragic collapse of a nightclub ceiling in Santo Domingo during the early hours of the morning. This disaster has claimed the lives of at least 27 individuals, with the situation still developing.
According to Pérez’s daughter, Zulinka Pérez, her father was located because he ‘started singing’ to draw attention to himself. However, officials have yet to confirm this account.
Zulinka Pérez spoke to reporters on the scene, explaining, ‘I was told that he was found safe, and someone mentioned that he started singing to be located.’ She expressed her relief but also shared sadness over the loss of a member of the orchestra, stating, ‘A musician passed away, and another is in bad condition.’
During the tragic event, Zulinka mentioned she was on stage with her father shortly before everything collapsed, saying, ‘If I had been on my father’s microphone, I wouldn’t be here today.’ She recounted the terrifying moment, describing, ‘Everything collapsed; it went dark. My husband shielded me and said, “Let’s go, just in case everything falls, and the child is left alone.”’
Rescue Efforts in Motion
The artist’s manager, Fernando Soto, confirmed to Diario Libre that Rubby Pérez was indeed found alive, though details about his current health status remain unclear.
The incident occurred at the Jet Set nightclub, which comfortably holds over 1,000 attendees. As rescue operations continue, 134 individuals have been reported to have been transported to health facilities, with estimates suggesting between 150 and 160 affected.
Many were transported independently to local hospitals, while some managed to escape unharmed. Distressed family members wait outside the venue for news about their loved ones.
More than 200 rescue personnel are actively engaged in operations, and authorities emphasize that they will not cease their efforts until every affected individual has been accounted for. The nightclub is a popular locale for socializing among local personalities, especially on Mondays.
According to General Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), ambulances and emergency units have been dispatched, including personnel from the Police, Fire Department, and Civil Defense.
