Death Toll in Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse Approaches 200, Search Efforts Continue

The tragic roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic has claimed nearly 200 lives, with rescue operations still underway. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday night at the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo, has left many families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones outside the forensic institute. Despite the passing of more than a day since the collapse, authorities continue to search for victims, though the likelihood of finding survivors is rapidly diminishing.

Rescue teams search for survivors at Jet Set nightclub after a roof collapse during a merengue concert.

Juan Manuel Mendez, the head of the country's emergency operations center, confirmed that while no one has been rescued alive since the collapse, crews are still working at the site, scouring the debris for any remaining victims or potential survivors. "We will not abandon anyone," Mendez stated during a press briefing, assuring the public that rescue efforts would persist until every body was recovered.

The nightclub was hosting a merengue concert when the roof caved in, leading to widespread panic and chaos. Family members, who gathered near the wreckage, have been sharing details with the police in hopes of identifying the victims. Authorities confirmed that 155 individuals have been rescued from the site and are currently receiving medical care at local hospitals.

As the search continues, the nation’s officials are preparing for the transition from a search and rescue phase to a recovery operation. Presidential spokesperson Homero Figueroa remarked that this shift in focus was imminent, given the length of time since the last rescue operation.

While the exact number of people inside the nightclub at the time of the collapse remains unclear, the scale of the tragedy has left the country reeling. As the days pass, hope for additional survivors is fading, but the commitment to recovering all victims continues.