A devastating roof collapse at the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo has left at least 221 people dead, with 146 victims identified so far by Dominican authorities. The collapse happened during a packed concert on Tuesday featuring beloved merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who is among the deceased.
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) officially concluded rescue operations after 53 hours of nonstop work. 189 survivors were pulled from the rubble, but hope for more has faded.
Juan Manuel Méndez, EOC director, called it the most difficult mission in his 20-year career, saying, “We lifted all the rubble,” as he held back tears.
The disaster occurred mid-performance. Rubby Pérez’s daughter, Zulinka Pérez, who was onstage with him, recalled the horror as a large beam crushed her father. “Everything happened so fast,” she said, describing her father as her “support, confidant, and friend.”
Thousands gathered to mourn Pérez during funeral services held at the Eduardo Brito National Theater.
The victims included fashion designer Martín Polanco, former Major League Baseball players Tony Cabrera and Octavio Dotel, and Governor Nelsy Cruz of Montecristi. In the incident, Grupo Popular bank employees also lost their lives.
Authorities are now concentrating on identifying bodies and looking into the structural breakdown as they move from rescue to recovery. The National Office for Seismic Assessment and Vulnerability of Infrastructure will lead a technical investigation, joined by international experts.
Jet Set Club representative Antonio Espaillat shared a public message expressing condolences and affirming the club’s full cooperation. “There are no words to express the pain this event has caused,” he said. “We are with you.”
As the country grieves, emergency teams and forensic staff continue their tireless efforts to bring closure to grieving families. The cause of the collapse is still unknown, but a full investigation is underway.
Source: NBC News