SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Rescue crews in the Dominican Republic were engaged in a grim search on Thursday as they sifted through the rubble of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, where the roof collapse earlier this week resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 184 people. The incident occurred during a packed merengue concert, leaving many families desperate for answers as they searched for their missing loved ones.
As the search continued, doctors reported that a number of patients remained hospitalized, and the situation was particularly critical for eight individuals who were fighting for their lives. Health Minister Dr. Víctor Atallah provided insights into the nature of injuries sustained, highlighting that victims suffered severe fractures due to heavy slabs of cement that fell when the roof collapsed shortly after dust began to fall from above.
The nightclub was a popular venue, frequented by musicians, athletes, and government officials. Witness testimonies described a chaotic scene as concert-goers experienced a sudden and terrifying collapse. Among the victims was merengue star Rubby Pérez, who was performing just before the disaster struck. Notable figures such as former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, and Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province, also lost their lives in the calamity.
Officials have shifted their focus to a recovery phase. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, stated that although the chances of finding more survivors were slim, efforts to locate missing individuals and retrieve bodies would persist. In less than 30 minutes after the collapse, emergency services were mobilized, including 25 soldiers, seven fire brigades, and 77 ambulances, which received over 100 calls, some made by people trapped under the debris.
Rescue teams employed search dogs and thermal imaging technology to comb the wreckage. Authorities reported that 145 individuals were rescued from the debris, as hope dwindled for those still unaccounted for. The exact cause of the roof failure remains unclear, and there are ongoing questions about the building's safety inspections and structural integrity prior to the event.
In light of this devastating event, the government promised a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the collapse once the recovery operations conclude. The nightclub's administration expressed its readiness to cooperate with authorities, yet details regarding prior inspections were not forthcoming from associated parties. The lack of responses from the mayor's office further contributed to the frustration of families seeking clarity amid their grieving.
The tragedy has not only shaken the local community but has also sent ripples through the country, reminding everyone of the vulnerabilities associated with public venues and the urgent need for rigorous safety standards. As rescue efforts continue, families wait anxiously for news of their missing loved ones, clinging to hope amidst overwhelming sorrow.
