Death Toll Rises to 79 in Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse

The death toll from the catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has risen to at least 79, with hundreds more injured. The incident occurred during a merengue concert attended by prominent figures, including provincial governor Nelsy Cruz and former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, both of whom perished in the disaster. Rescue crews have been tirelessly searching for survivors among the debris, with emergency operations ongoing and the use of heavy equipment to expedite rescue efforts. Dominican President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning in response to the tragedy. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collapse, which left families in distress and the nation in mourning. Eyewitnesses described the moment as sudden, with many initially thinking an earthquake had struck.