Dominican Republic Nightclub Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 218, Including Notable Figures
Rescue teams worked tirelessly for two days, but no survivors have been found since Tuesday afternoon.
The devastating roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has resulted in a tragic loss of life.
The accident has left a death toll of at least 218, local authorities said in an update issued on Thursday morning.
Meanwhile least 155 survivors were receiving treatment in hospitals, NBC News reported late in the evening on Wednesday, April 9.
The incident occurred early Tuesday during a concert by merengue artist Rubby Pérez, who was among those confirmed dead.
The collapse happened around 1 a.m. when the roof suddenly gave way, trapping hundreds of patrons beneath the debris.
Authorities have announced that the rescue operation has ended, and efforts are now focused on the recovery of bodies.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly for two days, but no survivors have been found since Tuesday afternoon.
Among those killed were prominent figures, including retired Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel, former MLB player Tony Blanco, and Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz.
Merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing onstage at the time of the accident, also passed away.
Rubby Pérez’s manager confirmed his death along with that of the group’s saxophonist. Pérez was initially rescued alive but succumbed to his injuries shortly after being taken to a hospital.
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader declared a three-day national mourning period in response to the tragedy. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, with speculation suggesting that a previous fire at the nightclub might have compromised the structure’s integrity.
The nightclub has pledged cooperation with the investigation.
As the recovery phase continues, families of the missing are anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation and internationally, with expressions of solidarity and support pouring in from around the world.
The owner of Jet Set nightclub spoke out about the “devastating” tragedy that left at least 218 dead after the club’s roof collapsed on Tuesday, April 8.
Antonio Espaillat, the owner of the popular club in the Dominican Republic’s capital city Santo Domingo, posted a statement on Instagram addressing the incident shortly afterward.
“There are no words to express the pain this event has caused. What happened has been devastating for everyone. We want you to know that we are with you and that we share your anguish,” he said, per a translation from the original Spanish.
He continued, “From the very beginning, we have been collaborating fully and transparently with the authorities. We remain in constant communication with the Emergency Operations Center (COE), while search and rescue efforts continue with emergency teams, volunteers, and staff from more than 22 institutions.”
