Santo Domingo: Authorities in the Dominican Republic have ended search operations at a collapsed nightclub where over 200 died.
The incident occurred Tuesday morning when the Jet Set nightclub’s roof caved in during a live music performance.
Officials declared all chances of finding survivors are exhausted, shifting efforts to recover the deceased.
A statement confirmed rescue teams worked tirelessly but found no one alive since Tuesday.
Rescuers now focus on recovering bodies with dignity, respecting each victim and their families.
Ongoing Grief
The nation has declared three official days of mourning following the nightclub tragedy.
Families gathered outside the scene, hoping for updates and searching for missing loved ones.
Field hospitals posted victim lists, and relatives searched hospitals desperately for any sign.
Aerial images reveal a large hole in the club’s roof where the crowd had gathered.
The government has promised to support affected families and honor those who died.
Rising Toll
By Thursday, officials confirmed 218 people had died, an increase from previous reports of 184.
At least 189 people were pulled alive from the rubble before the search ended.
The final number of missing remains uncertain, as authorities still verify the identities.
No survivor has been located since Tuesday despite ongoing search efforts until Wednesday.
Emergency personnel spent two full days combing through the collapsed venue’s wreckage.
Tragic Scene
Merengue star Rubby Pérez was performing with his orchestra when the roof suddenly collapsed.
His body was recovered Wednesday morning from the debris by rescue teams.
The Jet Set nightclub was filled with fans enjoying its popular Monday night event.
The club, operating for over 50 years, had a capacity for up to 500 people.
Local media described it as an upscale venue drawing celebrities and notable figures.
Celebrity Losses
Two former Major League Baseball players died during the incident, authorities confirmed Thursday.
The collapse claimed the life of 15-year MLB veteran Octavio Dotel, who won a World Series in 2011.
His death, along with other known figures, intensified national grief and global attention.
The Dominican Republic’s sports and entertainment communities expressed shock and sorrow over the news.
Jet Set was one of the country’s most iconic nightlife destinations, known across the Caribbean.
Medical Findings
Health Minister Victor Atallah shared details on the trauma victims sustained during the disaster.
Many died instantly from heavy ceiling impact, mostly from head and chest injuries, he said.
Several victims were seated when struck by falling debris, making escape nearly impossible.
Doctors reported that immediate deaths occurred in a large portion of victims.
Medical staff provided urgent care to the wounded as field hospitals operated near the site.
Mourning Declared
President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje visited the devastated nightclub Tuesday morning.
They offered condolences and support to grieving families present at the scene.
The president later announced three national days of mourning for the lives lost.
He urged unity and compassion during this tragic time in the country’s history.
Government officials have pledged to investigate the collapse and aid affected communities.
Unclear Cause
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the building to collapse so suddenly.
Initial reports noted the nightclub was over five decades old and may have had structural issues.
Engineers and investigators will inspect the site in the coming days for further analysis.
Many citizens now question safety standards at public venues across the Dominican Republic.
Officials have yet to say how many people were inside when the disaster occurred.
Devastating Impact
Survivors described scenes of chaos as people screamed, fled, and tried to help one another.
Eyewitnesses said the collapse happened without warning, causing panic among guests.
Local residents, family members, and emergency crews rallied together during rescue efforts.
Community members are organizing vigils to honor those lost in the tragedy.
The nightclub collapse marks one of the deadliest civilian disasters in Dominican Republic history.
