At least 66 people have been confirmed dead after a nightclub in the Dominican Republic collapsed midway through a concert on April 8.
Among the 66 confirmed deceased (per the CNN) is famous Dominican merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was staging a concert at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, per a Rolling Stone report. The deadly ceiling collapse took place about an hour into his performance.
At the time of writing, CNN reports that over 160 patrons of the nightclub were injured in the devastation, while an unreported amount of people are still missing. A cause for the ceiling’s collapse has yet to be confirmed.
Pérez was initially found alive, with his daughter Zulinka reporting that paramedics “found him singing” under the rubble to signal his location. He was later transported to a hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Also reported among the dead, per CNN, are several former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. Nelsy Cruz, governor of the Monte Cristi province has also been confirmed dead via Dominican president Luis Abinader, while the son of Public Works minister Eduardo Estrella is still reportedly missing.
A three-day mourning period has been announced by President Abinader.
Following the news of the devastation, Cardi B – who is of Dominican and Trinidadian descent – has reacted to the tragedy, sharing tributes with her BG Secret Society community via Instagram, per a screenshot captured by Complex.
She wrote: “I’m in literal tears scrolling down my timeline seeing my Dominican people being rescued some wit lives and some gone. l’m sad seeing families crying desperately in pain looking for love ones.. I feel like every Dominican around the world is in a big hora Santa praying for survivors and praying for the ones that are gone to be in Gods Glory.
“For the people who lost a family or a friend don’t have bad memories they left this earth singing and dancing and most likely happy and enjoying themselves and that’s how the lord will receive them,” Cardi added.
She went on to pay tribute to the late Rubby Pérez: “Its so heartbreaking to see one of our iconic artist Perez leave in such a tragic way. I’m glad tho our final memory of him was him sharing his beautiful voice to us.. Sang one last time. I want my fans to pray for those who was in that building last night ❤️💙”
Other Dominican musicians have since shared tributes to the deceased and injured. Bacahta singer Prince Royce wrote in a translation of an Instagram story: “My prayers for everyone affected by this big tragedy that happened at the nightclub in Santo Domingo. Peace and much strength.”
Natti Natasha wrote: “My beloved land, the Dominican Republic. Today we all woke up with broken hearts. A tragedy that mourns our country and leaves a deep void in many families. We woke up with tears in our eyes, in silence, in prayer. May God give strength to every mother, father, child, and friend who today suffers the loss of a loved one.From the depths of my soul, I share your pain. I am with you. We are in mourning.”
Merengue singer Olga Tañon wrote: “Praying for all those rescued and for the families of the more than 15 people who lost their lives! Rubby Pérez, maestro, with all my heart, praying for your safey.”
