At least 27 people are dead and more than 150 injured after the roof collapsed at a popular nightclub early Tuesday during a performance by renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez.

Approximately 400 emergency personnel are involved in rescue operations at Jet Set discotheque, a well-known entertainment venue in the Dominican capital, Santo Domingo, reported local officials.

Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Centre (COE), confirmed rescue workers continue to search for survivors beneath the debris. Ambulances have reportedly made more than 100 trips to local hospitals, sometimes carrying multiple victims simultaneously.

"We remain hopeful that many people trapped underneath are still alive," Méndez said at a press conference, according to reports from CNN.

The tragic incident occurred around 1 a.m. local time, shortly after Rubby Pérez took the stage for a scheduled concert. Video footage posted on social media reveals chaotic scenes moments before the collapse. In one clip, an audience member is heard saying, "Something fell from the ceiling," pointing upward as Pérez appeared startled. Seconds later, a loud noise preceded darkness and screams, according to footage reviewed by BBC News.

Pérez, who is popular throughout Latin America, was among those initially trapped but has since been rescued. His daughter confirmed his condition, stating he was "shaken but safe," local broadcaster CDN reported.

One band member described the terrifying moment to local media, saying, "I thought it was an earthquake. The club was completely packed at the time."

Jet Set regularly attracts large crowds, particularly for its Monday night dance music concerts. The collapse has raised immediate questions about structural integrity and safety compliance. Authorities have not yet indicated what specifically caused the collapse but are expected to launch a thorough investigation.

Dominican President Luis Abinader expressed condolences on Twitter, offering support to families affected by the disaster. "Our hearts go out to those impacted by this tragedy," he stated.

The incident ranks among the country's worst nightclub disasters, prompting renewed scrutiny of safety standards in public venues across the region.