At least 44 people were killed and dozens injured when the roof of a crowded nightclub collapsed in the Dominican Republic early Tuesday, triggering a massive rescue operation. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to search for survivors amid the debris as local authorities vowed to investigate the cause of the structural failure.
The incident occurred during peak hours at the popular entertainment venue, with witnesses reporting a sudden “loud cracking sound” before the collapse. Civil defense teams used heavy machinery and sniffer dogs to locate trapped patrons, while hospitals across the region mobilized to treat victims with critical injuries.
President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning and promised “rigorous accountability” for the disaster. The tragedy has reignited debates about building safety regulations in Caribbean tourist zones, with many questioning inspection protocols for high-capacity venues.
