Roof Collapse at Dominican Club Claims 226 Lives \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A 41-year-old Costa Rican woman died after being pulled from the rubble of a nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo, raising the death toll to 226. Over 200 people were injured when the Jet Set nightclub’s roof fell during a merengue concert. The cause remains under investigation, while families mourn the loss of loved ones.
Quick Looks
- Death toll rises to 226 after Saturday’s confirmed fatality.
- The most recent victim was a 41-year-old woman from Costa Rica.
- Jet Set nightclub’s roof collapsed during a merengue concert Tuesday morning.
- 189 people were rescued alive; more than 200 were injured.
- Fourteen victims remain hospitalized, including four in critical condition.
- Victims include former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco.
- Nelsy Cruz, sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz, also died.
- Health authorities used biometric data for most identifications.
- President Abinader attended funeral for singer Rubby Pérez, who died performing.
- Investigation ongoing; structural cause of collapse still unknown.
Deep Look
The death toll from the devastating roof collapse at a packed nightclub in the Dominican Republic has risen to 226, health officials confirmed on Saturday, following the death of a hospitalized woman. The 41-year-old Costa Rican national had been rescued from beneath the rubble but succumbed to her injuries days later, highlighting the tragedy’s ongoing toll on victims and their families.
The disaster unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday morning at Jet Set, one of Santo Domingo’s most popular nightlife venues. The nightclub was hosting a high-energy merengue concert, drawing in a crowd of well-known figures from the worlds of politics, sports, and entertainment. In a matter of seconds, a night of celebration turned into chaos as the club’s roof caved in without warning.
Video from inside the venue reportedly shows dust falling from the ceiling moments before the collapse. On stage, beloved Dominican merengue singer Rubby Pérez was performing when the structure gave way. Pérez was among those who died, later honored with a national funeral attended by President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje. The solemn ceremony was held at the National Theater, where mourners gathered to pay their respects. Many were visibly emotional as a recording of Pérez performing the national anthem played in tribute.
The destruction left more than 200 people injured, with 14 still hospitalized as of Saturday. Four of those patients remain in critical condition, and health officials warn the death toll could still climb.
Rescue workers managed to pull 189 survivors from the rubble during a tense and difficult operation earlier in the week. Many of the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, while family members began the agonizing process of identifying their loved ones. Health Minister Victor Attalah said that identification efforts were delayed because many of the victims had to be matched using biometric data due to the extent of the trauma they suffered.
By Saturday, 225 of the deceased had been identified and their remains returned to families. Outside the forensics institute in Santo Domingo, relatives waited anxiously throughout the day for confirmation and the release of the bodies.
Among the confirmed victims were high-profile individuals, including former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera. Another casualty was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, adding to the sense of national grief.
The cause of the collapse remains unclear. Engineers and investigators have yet to publicly conclude what led to the catastrophic structural failure. Prosecutors visited the site on Thursday, after rescue teams began removing heavy equipment and stepping back from the disaster scene. Authorities have cautioned that it is too early to determine whether negligence or construction flaws played a role.
In the meantime, the Dominican Republic is grappling with the loss and the emotional impact on survivors and loved ones. The tragedy has raised urgent questions about safety standards at public venues, building regulations, and the need for better crowd protection protocols during major events.
Jet Set nightclub, a staple of the capital’s vibrant music scene, has been closed indefinitely. Local officials have vowed transparency in the investigation and support for the victims’ families.
As the country mourns, stories of the victims have begun to emerge, painting a heartbreaking picture of lives cut short during what was supposed to be a night of joy. Health officials and emergency services remain on alert, working to provide ongoing care to those still fighting for their lives.
The tragedy has also sparked solidarity across the Dominican Republic and beyond, with communities organizing vigils, blood donations, and memorials in honor of the victims.
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