A teenage girl has shared her experience regarding the Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse that initially seemed like ‘just another Monday night’ for her parents, leaving her in a state of uncertainty.
On April 8, the roof of the Jet Set nightclub, located in southern Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, came crashing down.
According to PA, the disaster has resulted in at least 184 fatalities and more than 255 injuries.
While numerous individuals have expressed their condolences for those who perished, the search for survivors is ongoing. Juan Manuel Méndez, Director of the Emergency Operations Centre, vowed: “We’re going to search tirelessly for people.”
Seventeen-year-old Shailyn Peña has spoken out about the uncertainty surrounding her father Máximo’s whereabouts and the location of her mother on that tragic night.
Peña shared with the BBC that it began as ‘just another Monday night’ for her parents, with her father planning to visit the club and even inviting her mother along.
“But at the last minute she decided not to go,” Peña explained. “It was a blessing in disguise.”
Peña mentioned that her cousin, who is assisting in the rescue operations, is searching through the wreckage for survivors and that her cousin’s uncle was also present at the club that evening.
As of now, Peña has not received ‘any news about any of them’.
She expressed her feelings: “I feel the urge to just go in there and push aside all the rocks and pull him out. But as much as I want to, I really can’t. I just have to sit here and wait it out.”
Méndez emphasized: “Nothing can be ruled out. We are going to go over every inch of the rubble here to give the families of those caught up in the disaster some kind of closure.”
Senator Daniel Rivera, the former public health minister of the country, has also commented on the incident.
He remarked: “There’s a lot of pain. We need to have a lot of patience.”
Following the roof collapse, Dominican President Luis Abinader announced three days of mourning.
In a Twitter statement, he expressed: “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. All rescue agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”
The Jet Set club released a statement: [Translated] “There are no words to express the pain this event has caused.
“What happened has been devastating for everyone. We want you to know that we are with you and that we share your anguish.
“As the Jet Set family, we are with you. To you, mothers, fathers, siblings, children, and loved ones of those affected: you can count on us.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and wish to speak with someone confidentially, reach out to GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected]