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Dominican Republic Nightclub Tragedy: Death Toll Rises as Recovery Efforts Continue
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – As the search for survivors continues at the site of a collapsed nightclub roof in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, families are facing dwindling hope. The death toll from the incident at the popular Jet Set nightclub has tragically increased, reaching 218 by Thursday morning. Authorities have shifted focus to recovery operations as prospects of finding more survivors diminish after the Tuesday morning catastrophe.
Search and Rescue Efforts Transition to Recovery
Emergency responders have successfully rescued 189 individuals following the roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, officials announced in their Thursday update. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the nation’s Emergency Operations Center, stated during a Thursday press conference, “We’ve practically combed ground zero, there’s only a small area remaining to inspect.”
Méndez indicated the closure of the immediate disaster zone later on Thursday, acknowledging the profound impact of the event, “It’s been very hard for everyone,” he said, expressing sympathy for the families affected by the nightclub collapse.
He confirmed that ongoing search and rescue operations are being conducted in close collaboration with multiple government agencies.
Nightclub Site Transformed into Wreckage
The Jet Set nightclub, formerly a vibrant hub of Dominican nightlife and cultural activity, has been reduced to a scene of devastation. Over 300 firefighters have been meticulously working through the debris, utilizing heavy cranes to remove sections of the collapsed concrete roof.
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Victims Identified in Nightclub Collapse
The roof caved in during a performance by renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez, who was among those confirmed dead. Identified victims of the nightclub tragedy also include:
- Former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Cabrera
- Dominican fashion designer Martín Polanco
- Employees of Grupo Popular, a major Dominican banking institution
- Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi province
Shift to Recovery Phase
The Emergency Operations Center announced Wednesday night the ongoing mission was transitioning from a search and rescue mission to a recovery operation.
“Over the preceding days, rescue teams have relentlessly worked, clearing wreckage, aiding the injured, and extracting survivors,” the agency conveyed in a statement. “However, having exhausted all viable possibilities of locating additional survivors, the operation is now entering a different, yet equally sensitive and critical stage: the dignified recovery of human remains for each victim.”
Investigation to Follow Recovery
Following the completion of the recovery phase, a thorough investigation will commence to determine the underlying cause of this devastating tragedy.