At least 98 people have died and more than 150 others have been injured after the roof of a nightclub collapsed in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, officials confirmed.

The tragedy occurred early Tuesday during a concert at the popular Jet Set nightclub, where well-known merengue singer Rubby Pérez was performing. His manager later confirmed Pérez was among those who died.

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel, 51, and Nelsy Cruz, governor of Monte Cristi province, were also killed. Dotel reportedly died while being transported to hospital. Cruz was the sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz.

Jet Set, a well-known venue for live music, was packed with concertgoers at the time of the collapse. Some 400 emergency personnel are continuing to search the rubble for survivors, as fears grow that the death toll may rise.

Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the country’s Emergency Operations Centre (COE), expressed hope that people still trapped under the debris might be rescued alive.

Footage shared on social media captured the moments leading up to the collapse. One video shows clubgoers seated at tables, while others dance to Pérez’s performance. 

In another clip, a man points toward the ceiling and says, “something fell,” seconds before a loud crash is heard and the screen goes black. A woman can then be heard shouting, “Dad, what’s happened to you?”

A member of Pérez’s band told local media the venue was full when the collapse occurred around 1am. “It felt like an earthquake,” he said.

President Luis Abinader has extended his condolences to the victims' families and pledged support for ongoing rescue efforts.