In a heart-wrenching disaster, the roof collapse at a popular Santo Domingo nightclub has claimed at least 218 lives, with authorities officially transitioning from rescue efforts to body recovery.
Tragedy Strikes: Death Toll Rises in Santo Domingo Nightclub Collapse
Tragedy Strikes: Death Toll Rises in Santo Domingo Nightclub Collapse
The devastating collapse of the Jet Set nightclub roof has left 218 dead as rescuers shift to recovery mode.
In a tragic update, the death toll from the roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has risen to 218, as authorities struggle to assess the scale of the disaster. The incident occurred early Tuesday while a concert was underway at the highly frequented venue, known for its vibrant Monday night gatherings.
Emergency services noted that hopes of finding any additional survivors had vanished as the recovery operation shifted focus from search and rescue to the grim task of retrieving bodies. Officials have not disclosed the exact number of individuals inside the club at the time of the collapse, which has a capacity estimated between 700 and 1,000 patrons.
Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the emergency operations center, stated efforts were underway to correlate ticket sales with the number of individuals currently in local hospitals and morgues. While 189 people have been rescued, the nightclub's representations have maintained silence regarding the total tickets sold prior to the disaster.
The emotional toll of the incident was palpable; Méndez acknowledged the pain shared by the community, indicating the eventual scaling back of rescue personnel. The statement from the government emphasized that the mission to excavate would persist, with reassurances that no one would be left behind.
Monday nights had long been a cherished tradition for high-profile guests in the capital, with the fatalities reflecting the venue's popularity among prominent figures, including a governor, notable banking family members, and two former Major League Baseball athletes. Among the identified victims was merengue singer Rubby Pérez, whose body was retrieved early Wednesday, highlighting the deep loss felt by the cultural sector.
This catastrophic event marks a significant tragedy in the Dominican Republic, leaving the nation in mourning and raising questions about safety assurances in popular social venues.
