Melissa Núñez Delays Puerto Rico Trip After Santo Domingo Crash

Miss Dominican Republic Universe 2026 Melissa Núñez and Magali Febles, director of the country’s Miss Universe franchise, have postponed their trip to Puerto Rico after being injured in a traffic accident in Santo Domingo on Friday, November 6.

The vehicle carrying the two women overturned on Núñez de Cáceres Avenue in the El Millón neighborhood of the National District. Both received emergency assistance before being taken to a private hospital for medical evaluation.

According to information reported by Diario Libre, Febles experienced a headache and pain along the right side of her body, while Núñez sustained superficial lacerations to her right forearm and wrist.

Both Women Remain Under Medical Observation

In an update published on Sunday, November 8, Diario Libre reported that Núñez and Febles had postponed their departure for Puerto Rico while undergoing medical checks. Febles said they needed to complete additional examinations, including imaging tests, before doctors could determine whether they were fit to fly.

Febles also provided an account of how the crash happened. She said the vehicle struck a concrete barrier, after which a tire burst and the driver lost control. The vehicle subsequently fell into a hole, according to her account.

The initial reports described the two women as the injured occupants. Subsequent coverage also referred to the driver, underscoring that the full circumstances of the incident had not been established by authorities in the information available at the time.

Miss Universe Activities Have Begun in Puerto Rico

The accident came just as Puerto Rico was preparing to welcome contestants for the 75th edition of Miss Universe. The official gathering of delegates was scheduled to begin on November 8, with rehearsals and other activities leading up to the televised competition.

The Miss Universe Organization has scheduled the national costume competition for November 21, the preliminary competition for November 22 and the final for November 24 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan.

The Dominican Republic will be represented by Núñez, who was crowned Miss República Dominicana Universo 2026 on July 30. She represents Concepción de La Vega and is expected to compete alongside delegates from around the world for the international title.

Participation Depends on Medical Clearance

The postponement does not, by itself, establish whether Núñez will miss any official pageant activities. Her arrival in Puerto Rico will depend on the results of her medical evaluations and authorization from her doctors to travel.

For now, the immediate priority for the Dominican candidate and Febles is recovery. Any decision about their travel plans or participation in the remaining Miss Universe schedule will depend on their medical condition.