An update has emerged regarding the tragic roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic, two days after the disaster occurred.
The incident took place on Tuesday morning, April 8, when the roof of Jet Set nightclub in southern Santo Domingo collapsed approximately an hour into a concert.
The collapse happened while singer Rubby Pérez was performing, and soon videos of the incident began circulating, showing the moment the roof gave way before the entire structure collapsed.
Initially, reports on April 9 indicated that 124 individuals had lost their lives, and over 255 were injured.
A new update has shed light on the severity of the situation.
On Wednesday, rescue workers concluded the search for survivors after the death toll rose past 180, with over 500 people injured.
This incident is the most catastrophic disaster to hit the Caribbean nation in decades.
The Guardian reported that emergency personnel discovered 60 additional fatalities compared to their initial count from the morning, bringing the total confirmed deaths to 184.
“Today we will complete the rescue effort,” stated Jose Luis Frometa Herasme, head of the fire service.
More than 300 rescue workers dedicated two days to searching through rubble of bricks and steel bars to locate survivors and bodies, aided by firefighters from Puerto Rico and Israel.
At the time of the collapse, between 500 to 1000 people were attending the concert headlined by renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez.
Tragically, while Pérez’s daughter survived the collapse, her father was among those killed, alongside former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican baseball player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera.
Satosky Terrero, a spokesperson for the Professional Baseball League in the country, confirmed the passing of the players.
In a statement, Dan Horwits, the agent for MLB pitcher Dotel, remarked: “His energy, positivity and zest for life were infectious to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. We pass along our thoughts and prayers to his entire family as well as everyone affected by the tragedy.”
The governor of Montecristi province, Nelson Cruz’s sister, reportedly contacted President Luis Abinader from beneath the debris but later died in the hospital.
Luis Solis, a saxophonist performing that night, was also killed, along with several Venezuelan bartenders and an army captain.
According to financial services company Grupo Popular, three of their employees, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife, perished in the collapse.
In response to the tragic event, Dominican President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning.
He expressed: “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. All rescue agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”
Randolfo Rijo Gómez, the director of the country’s 911 system, reported receiving over 100 calls regarding the collapse, many of which came from those trapped in the rubble.
Police were on the scene within 90 seconds, followed by first response units shortly thereafter.
Within 30 minutes, 25 soldiers, seven fire brigades, and 77 ambulances were at the site.
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