Rescue operations continued on Tuesday as emergency crews searched for survivors in the rubble of a collapsed nightclub in the Dominican Republic, where at least 27 people have been confirmed dead and more than 150 injured.

The tragedy occurred in the early hours at Jet Set nightclub, a popular venue in the capital city of Santo Domingo. According to authorities, approximately 400 emergency personnel responded to the scene, supported by dozens of ambulances.

Eyewitness accounts and social media footage revealed a sudden blackout followed by the collapse of the nightclub’s roof during a live performance by famed Dominican merengue singer Rubby Pérez, 69. In one viral video, a woman’s panicked voice can be heard shouting, “What happened?”

Local reports estimate that between 500 and 1,000 people were inside the venue at the time of the incident.

"It was sudden. I thought it was an earthquake, so I threw myself to the ground and covered my head," said Enrique Paulino, Pérez’s manager. "One of our saxophonists is dead. We tried to reach Rubby, but the debris was too heavy."

Pérez’s daughter, Zulinka, told reporters she managed to escape the chaos but had not received any updates on her father's condition.

“I am desperate. People love him… I was told he was still inside, but I don’t know if he’s in an ambulance. They’re not letting me through,” she said, speaking to CDN television.

Among the deceased was Nelsy Cruz, governor of Monte Cristi municipality, who died from her injuries in hospital, President Luis Abinader confirmed.

The director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), Juan Manuel Méndez, told reporters that rescue teams were still hearing cries for help from beneath the rubble.

"As long as there is hope for life, all authorities will remain committed to rescuing or recovering these individuals," Méndez said.

He added that ambulances had made 134 hospital runs, transporting around 150 to 160 injured victims. Families of victims gathered anxiously at nearby hospitals and the disaster site, desperate for news.

“We are desperate,” said Regina del Rosa, whose sister was at the concert. “They’re not telling us anything.” Images shared by local media showed rescue workers with hard hats digging through debris alongside a construction crane.

President Abinader, who rushed to the scene, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the government had been “following the case minute by minute.” 

“Our primary objective is to save lives,” he said. “We are deeply affected. All emergency agencies are fully mobilized and working tirelessly on the rescue effort.”

Jet Set nightclub, a staple in the Dominican nightlife scene for over 50 years, regularly hosted live shows on Monday nights. Its latest social media post had promoted Rubby Pérez’s performance, encouraging fans to “enjoy his greatest hits and dance in the country’s best nightclub.”