Desperation Grows as Dominican Nightclub Collapse Claims Lives and Hope Dwindles
Rescue teams in the Dominican Republic sifted through the wreckage of the iconic Jet Set nightclub on Thursday, where a devastating roof collapse earlier this week claimed at least 184 lives. As efforts continued, the chances of finding survivors grew increasingly faint.
In Santo Domingo, the capital, dozens of anguished residents scoured hospitals and the national forensic institute for news of missing loved ones, their frustration mounting as answers remained elusive. Meanwhile, medical professionals reported that of the two dozen individuals still hospitalized, eight remained in critical condition. Health Minister Dr. Victor Atallah cautioned that time was running out for those with severe trauma, noting that many suffered skull, femur, and pelvis fractures from falling concrete during a merengue concert that left over 200 injured.
On Wednesday evening, the government announced a shift to recovery operations focused on retrieving bodies. However, Juan Manuel Mendez, head of the Center of Emergency Operations, emphasized that teams were still combing the site for both victims and possible survivors, though no one had been pulled out alive since Tuesday afternoon. “We’re committed to this effort. No one will be left behind,” he affirmed.
The collapse occurred early Tuesday at the packed venue, a beloved haunt for musicians, athletes, and officials. Witnesses recalled dust drifting from the ceiling onto drinks moments before the roof gave way. Among the casualties were merengue star Rubby Perez, mid-performance when disaster struck; ex-MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera; and Nelsy Cruz, Montecristi province governor and sibling of baseball legend Nelson Cruz. Others lost included a retired UN official, onstage saxophonist Luis Solis, New York fashion designer Martin Polanco, relatives of senior government figures, and three Grupo Popular employees, including AFP Popular Bank’s president and his wife.
Randolfo Rijo Gomez, the country’s 911 system director, reported over 100 emergency calls, some from those trapped beneath debris. Police reached the scene in just 90 seconds, with first responders arriving shortly after. Within 30 minutes, 25 soldiers, seven fire brigades, and 77 ambulances were deployed. Using dogs and thermal imaging, crews saved 145 people from the rubble, authorities confirmed.
The cause of the collapse remains unknown, as does the date of the building’s last inspection. The government pledged a full investigation once recovery concludes. The club’s management stated it was assisting authorities, while a spokesperson for the owning family directed inspection-related queries . A Ministry of Public Works representative deferred to the mayor’s office, which did not respond to inquiries.