Authorities in the Dominican Republic have concluded search-and-rescue operations and have now shifted their focus to recovering bodies following a devastating nightclub collapse that claimed more than 200 lives. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo and has left the nation in mourning.
The tragedy unfolded around 1 a.m. during a live performance by renowned merengue musician Rubby Pérez and his orchestra. The roof of the building suddenly caved in, trapping hundreds of patrons beneath the rubble. Emergency teams worked tirelessly for over two days, clearing debris and searching for survivors, but as of Wednesday evening, officials confirmed no additional survivors had been located since Tuesday.
Snayder Santana, an engineer with the country’s civil protection services, reported that a significant amount of debris was cleared overnight into Thursday, which allowed teams to accelerate the recovery of bodies. He noted that many of the victims retrieved were women, though identification is still ongoing.
In a public statement released by the Emergency Operations Center, officials stated that “all reasonable possibilities of finding survivors have been exhausted.” The mission, they explained, has entered a “sensitive and critical phase focused on the dignified recovery of the deceased.”
Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the center, confirmed on Thursday that the death toll had reached 218. He added that 189 individuals had been pulled out alive in the immediate aftermath of the collapse. The number of those still unaccounted for remains uncertain.
The cause of the collapse is still under investigation. Local reports indicate that the Jet Set nightclub was constructed over 50 years ago and had the capacity to host up to 500 guests. It was known for hosting major events and attracting high-profile attendees. On the night of the collapse, two former Major League Baseball players were among the guests and have been confirmed among the deceased.
Health Minister Víctor Atallah shared that most victims suffered severe head and chest injuries, with many likely dying instantly as the ceiling crashed down upon seated guests. “The majority didn’t even have time to react,” he stated.
Jet Set was considered a cultural landmark in the Caribbean nation, particularly popular on Monday nights when it hosted major performances. Its upscale status often drew celebrities and prominent figures in the community.
Aerial images captured the extent of the destruction, revealing a massive gap in the center of the building where the audience had gathered. Grieving family members gathered near the ruins, hoping for updates on their loved ones. Some waited outside hospitals, while others searched handwritten lists posted at a nearby field hospital.
President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning in honor of the victims. He and First Lady Raquel Arbaje visited the scene later on Tuesday to meet with victims’ families and express their condolences.
As the country grapples with the tragedy, investigations continue into the structural integrity of the building and potential causes behind the fatal collapse.
