Nightclub Roof Collapse in Dominican Republic Claims 225 Lives
The roof collapse at the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo has resulted in 225 deaths, with 189 people rescued. Notable attendees included athletes and politicians. Investigations are ongoing as health authorities navigate the complexities of victim identification.
The death toll from the nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has reached 225, with 189 individuals rescued alive from the debris. As of Saturday, 15 remain hospitalized, five in critical condition, while health authorities confirmed that all deceased bodies have been returned to their families.
The tragedy occurred during a live merengue concert at the Jet Set club, where notable attendees included politicians, athletes, and fashion designers. Among the deceased are former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera. Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi and brother of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, also lost his life in the incident.
President Luis Abinader and his wife, Raquel Arbaje, were present at the funeral of singer Rubby Perez, held at the city’s National Theatre. Health Minister Victor Attalah indicated that victim identification has been complicated due to biometric matching, slowing the process amid ongoing investigations into the cause of the collapse.
The authorities have not yet determined the reasons for the roof failure. Nonetheless, prosecutors conducted a visit to the site after the rescue efforts concluded, signaling the start of an investigation into safety protocols at the venue. Eyewitnesses detailed a moment of disbelief as dust fell moments before the roof caved in while Perez was performing, leading to a chaotic scene filled with panic and sorrow. Attendees at his funeral expressed deep grief, as evidenced by mourners dressed in black and white, some shedding tears as his recorded national anthem played.
The nightclub disaster in the Dominican Republic underscores tragic losses, affecting many prominent figures. With 225 confirmed dead and ongoing investigations into the incident’s cause, the focus remains on victim identification and supporting affected families. As the nation mourns, attention will also turn to ensuring safety measures in public venues to prevent future tragedies.
Original Source: news.sky.com
