Burials begin as Dominican Republic nightclub collapse death toll reaches 221

In the Dominican Republic, burials began for the 221 victims of a tragic nightclub roof collapse at the Jet Set club, where a crowded concert was taking place. The search for survivors was called off after rescuers recovered 189 people from the rubble, but many were injured, with some still hospitalized. Mourners gathered at Santo Domingo's National Theater to honor merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who died in the incident, as President Luis Abinader and others paid their respects. Despite the mourning, questions remain regarding the cause of the collapse and the building's last inspection, prompting a government investigation. Officials have assured that no victims will remain unidentified as they continue to process the aftermath of this disaster, the worst in the country in decades. The nation is observing three days of mourning for the lives lost in this calamity.