Miss Dominican Republic 2026, Melissa Núñez, is finally making her way to Puerto Rico for Miss Universe 2026 after surviving a frightening car accident that nearly derailed her journey to the international pageant.
The Dominican beauty queen was involved in a serious traffic accident on Friday, November 6, alongside national pageant director Magali Febles and their driver in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
© Melissa NúñezThe crash left Núñez with injuries and reportedly caused her to lose consciousness. Both women required medical attention and observation before doctors could determine whether they were fit to travel.
Now, just three days after the accident, Núñez is continuing her journey toward the Miss Universe crown.
According to Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Día, the beauty queen was traveling to Puerto Rico on Monday morning, November 9, after her original Sunday departure was postponed.
What Happened to Miss Dominican Republic Melissa Núñez?
The accident occurred on the evening of November 6 along Avenida Núñez de Cáceres in the El Millón neighborhood of Santo Domingo. Núñez was traveling with Febles and their driver when the vehicle reportedly struck a concrete barrier, lost control, and overturned.
Febles later described the frightening experience during a social media appearance, explaining that a tire struck the concrete and reportedly burst, causing the driver to lose control.
The vehicle overturned and ended up in a hole.
One of the most alarming details emerged when Febles revealed that Núñez had lost consciousness following the crash. Emergency personnel responded to the scene, and the three occupants were transported to Hospiten Santo Domingo for medical evaluations.
© Miss República DominicanaThe accident happened during the final preparations for Núñez's participation in Miss Universe 2026, adding an unexpected complication to what should have been an exciting departure for the Dominican representative.
How Is Miss Dominican Republic Doing After the Accident?
Fortunately, reports indicate that Núñez and Febles were in stable condition following the crash. According to Primera Hora, Núñez suffered injuries to her arm and leg, while Febles experienced pain along one side of her body. Both women underwent medical examinations, including imaging studies, to assess their injuries.
The driver also received medical attention. Although the initial reports were reassuring, doctors recommended additional observation, particularly because of the blows sustained during the accident.
© Miss Universe Republica DominicanaOn Sunday, November 8, Febles explained that they needed to complete a 48-hour observation period and undergo further radiological studies before receiving clearance to fly. Their planned departure was therefore postponed as a precaution.
By Monday morning, however, Núñez was resuming her trip to the island.
Footage circulating Monday morning showed Núñez at Las Américas International Airport wearing a white jumpsuit with a striking blue cape. The outfit provided a fashionable moment for her much-anticipated departure, despite the challenging circumstances surrounding her trip.
Her arrival comes one day after the official gathering of Miss Universe contestants began in Puerto Rico on November 8.
When Is Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico?
The 75th Miss Universe competition will take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the grand finale scheduled for November 24, 2026, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot.
The pageant's major scheduled events include:
© Miss Universe- November 8: Arrival period and official gathering of international contestants begins.
- November 21: National Costume Competition.
- November 22: Preliminary Competition, including swimsuit and evening gown presentations.
- November 24: Miss Universe 2026 grand finale and crowning ceremony.
Puerto Rico is hosting the international competition for the fourth time, having previously welcomed the event in 1972, 2001, and 2002.
