Dominican Republic Ends Search, Death Toll Hits 221 After Nightclub Collapse

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have transitioned from rescue efforts to recovery operations following a tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, which resulted in at least 218 deaths, making it one of the deadliest disasters in the country’s history. The collapse occurred during a merengue concert by artist Rubby Pérez, who was among the deceased. Emergency services had initially rescued 189 people alive, but hopes of finding additional survivors faded as no one was pulled from the rubble after the first day. The nightclub, which had a capacity of over 500, was reportedly hosting a full house when the disaster struck early Tuesday morning. President Luis Abinader has declared three days of national mourning, while investigations into the cause of the collapse are set to begin once recovery efforts are concluded. Families of victims continue to gather at the site, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones amidst the devastation.