SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) - A tragic incident unfolded at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo on Tuesday, resulting in a catastrophic roof collapse that has now claimed 225 lives, as confirmed by health officials on Saturday. The disaster occurred during a vibrant merengue concert, leaving many attendees, including politicians, athletes, and celebrities, stranded beneath the rubble.
According to officials, 189 individuals were rescued alive from the wreckage, while over 200 sustained injuries, with 15 individuals still hospitalized. Five of these patients are currently in critical condition. The scale of the tragedy has left the nation in mourning, as families grappled with the loss of their loved ones, many of whom were at the club for a night of entertainment.
The roof collapse happened early on Tuesday when the venue was crowded. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as dust began to fall from the ceiling moments before the structure gave way. By Saturday morning, authorities reported that all 225 victims had been identified and their bodies returned to grieving families, though the process was complicated by the need for biometric data to confirm identities.
Among the deceased are notable figures, including former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera. Additionally, Nelsy Cruz, governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and brother of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, was a casualty of this tragedy. These losses have deeply affected the sports community in the Dominican Republic and beyond.
In the aftermath, health minister Victor Attalah announced that the identification process for victims was delayed due to the majority requiring biometric matching. This situation has drawn the attention of local and national authorities, with prosecutors visiting the collapse site to determine the cause of the accident. However, they stated that it is too early to ascertain the reasons behind the structural failure.
The impact of this disaster extended beyond immediate casualties, as it affected friends, families, and the broader community in Santo Domingo. A memorial service was held for singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing at the Jet Set nightclub when the tragedy occurred. President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje were in attendance at Pérez's burial, where mourners commemorated his life amidst an outpouring of grief. The gathering saw many attendees dressed in black and white, a visual testament to the somber mood following the tragic events.
This incident has raised significant safety concerns surrounding entertainment venues in the Dominican Republic, as citizens and officials alike demand answers about the structural integrity of such establishments. The nation now faces the arduous task of healing and coming to terms with the immense loss of life and the nearly irreparable damage done to families and communities affected by this heart-wrenching disaster.
As investigations continue and families mourn their loved ones, the Jet Set nightclub disaster serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the fragility of safety in public spaces.
