The death toll from the devastating nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic has climbed to 226, authorities confirmed on Saturday. The tragedy occurred early Tuesday morning at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, where hundreds had gathered to watch a live performance by legendary merengue artist Rubby Perez.
Among the deceased was Perez himself, 69, who died at the scene. He was honored Thursday at the National Theater in a ceremony attended by President Luis Abinader and his daughter Zulinka, who survived the collapse.
Health Minister Victor Atallah stated that 221 people perished at the club, while five more succumbed to injuries in hospital, including a Costa Rican citizen whose death was announced Saturday. Several more victims remain hospitalized with severe burns, and their conditions remain critical.
The collapse has been described as the deadliest disaster in the country in decades, surpassing the 2005 Higuey prison fire that claimed 136 lives. The nightclub’s remains now lie in rubble, with aerial photos showing scenes reminiscent of a powerful earthquake.
President Abinader extended the national mourning period through Sunday and promised a full investigation. “What happened, why it happened, how it happened we will find out,” he said. A special commission of Dominican and international experts has been appointed to uncover the cause.
The incident has overwhelmed the nation’s forensic capacity. Atallah admitted Thursday that “no pathology institute has the capacity to handle so many bodies so quickly.” Twelve additional forensic pathologists were recruited to assist in the identification efforts. While the government vowed to return all bodies to families by early Saturday, there were reports of mix-ups. Julio Alberto Acosta, who lost his stepdaughter, said his family was mistakenly given the wrong body.
Victims include citizens from the U.S., Haiti, Italy, and France, along with two retired MLB players and a provincial governor. As the country grieves, makeshift vigils and heartfelt tributes continue near the site, symbolizing a nation’s collective mourning and demand for answers.
