A renowned singer has vanished following the collapse of a nightclub roof in the Dominican Republic during his performance.

Party-goers were enjoying the music of celebrated Dominican artist Ruby Perez when disaster struck. Local news source El Dia reported that the band’s saxophonist tragically lost his life in the incident, while the search for Perez is ongoing. The club, situated in the bustling Santo Domingo district, saw its roof collapse around 2 am local time, resulting in multiple fatalities at the Jet Set Club.

As of this afternoon, the death toll stands at 44, with approximately 46 injuries reported. Rescue teams have indicated they are in “communication” with individuals believed to be trapped under the debris. The hunt for Mr Perez continues in the wake of the devastating collapse. Octavio Dotel, a Baseball World Series champion, sadly passed away after being extracted from the nightclub’s wreckage, reports the Mirror.

His daughter-in-law, who also serves as a backup singer for the band, was found alive and confirmed to journalists that Mr Perez’s body remains undiscovered. The band’s bassist was rescued from the rubble with a broken leg, and it’s thought that at least a dozen more people are still trapped.

Footage capturing the horrifying moment of the collapse, which shows the band on stage as the ceiling crumbles onto them, has been circulating on social media since the tragedy was confirmed. Another video depicts club-goers fleeing the dance floor in panic. Luis Abiander, President of the Dominican Republic, expressed his sorrow: “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub.

“We have followed the incident minute by minute since it occurred. All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”

Juan Manuel Mendez, the Dominican Republic’s Director of Emergency Management Operations, shared an update on Instagram, stating that many trapped individuals are presumed alive. He assured that the rescue efforts “will not stop” until everyone is found.

He posted: “We are still working, searching for people in the rubble. We presume that many of them are still alive, that’s why the authorities here with their teams will not stop until we find the last person in that rubble.”

El Dia reported a massive response to the disaster, with 77 ambulances, eight fire trucks, 30 Civil Defence rescuers, about 200 National Police force members, and around 50 soldiers deployed for rescue operations.

Eight hospitals were put on red alert as victims were rushed for treatment. The injured were taken to the Cuban, Royal, Modern, and UCE medical centres.