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Tragedy Strikes Santo Domingo Nightclub as Roof Collapse Claims Lives
A devastating incident at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has resulted in the loss of life for four individuals who were hospitalized after being rescued from the debris of a roof collapse. This unfortunate event has raised the total death toll to 225, as confirmed by health officials on Saturday, April 12.
An estimated 189 people were successfully rescued from the rubble of the popular venue, where more than 200 patrons sustained injuries during the catastrophe. Currently, 15 of the injured remain hospitalized, with five of them reported to be in critical condition.
The incident occurred early Tuesday evening while a merengue concert was taking place, attracting numerous attendees, including politicians, athletes, and notable fashion designers. Eyewitnesses recounted a sudden deluge of dust falling from the ceiling, followed by the roof suddenly collapsing, which led to chaos and panic.
As of Saturday morning, many families were still in a state of anguish at a forensics institute, waiting for the identification and return of their deceased loved ones. By later that day, health authorities announced that all 225 bodies had been officially returned to the families of the victims.
Health Minister Victor Attalah explained that the process of identifying victims had been prolonged due to the need for biometric matching, which is essential when handling such large-scale tragedies.
Among those confirmed dead were former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, alongside Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi, whose brother, seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, also perished in the collapse.
Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the cause of the roof collapse. Prosecutors visited the site on Thursday following the conclusion of rescue operations, although it is still considered premature to draw any definitive conclusions regarding the structural failure.
On the same Thursday, President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje attended the funeral of renowned singer Rubby Pérez, who had been performing at the nightclub during the tragic event. Mourners in attendance paid their respects at the National Theater in Santo Domingo, where many were visibly shaken, some overcome with grief as a recording of Pérez singing the national anthem filled the hall.
Source
www.billboard.com