Rescue workers are frantically searching the rubble after the roof of an iconic Dominican Republic nightclub collapsed early Tuesday, killing at least 79 people, including former baseball players, and injuring more than 220, CNN reports.
At least 300 people were inside Jet Set nightclub, in the capital of Santo Domingo, when the roof collapsed around 1 a.m. during a performance of merengue artist Rubby Perez and his orchestra, authorities said. Perez’s whereabouts were unknown Tuesday evening amid fears he could be among those killed.
Also among the dead was Nelsy Cruz, governor of the Monte Cristi province, Dominican President Luis Abinader said. Cruz was related to MLB all-star Nelson Cruz, according a statement from his family mourning her death.
Meanwhile, the son of Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella is among the missing.
Footage from inside the venue appears to show the moment the crisis unfolded. One video shows the band performing while someone near the stage points out that something had fallen in the back of the Jet Set club. Moments later, pendant lights suspended from the ceiling start to collapse, along with the entire roof overhead. Screams and crashing sounds can be heard for a few seconds before the video goes dark.
The Jet Set nightclub is one of the Dominican Republic’s most famous venues, and its Monday night events are especially well attended.

















