In the aftermath of a devastating roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, authorities have confirmed that at least 184 people have died. Emergency services announced late Wednesday that they are shifting from the rescue phase to the recovery of bodies, having encountered no survivors since Tuesday afternoon.
The catastrophic incident occurred on Tuesday evening, prompting families of the victims to gather outside the nightclub for updates, anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. According to presidential spokesperson Homero Figueroa, “In the coming hours, there will be a transition from a search and rescue phase to the recovery of bodies phase,” after authorities determined that all reasonable possibilities of finding additional survivors had been exhausted.
Over 300 rescue workers, aided by sniffer dogs, have been meticulously sifting through piles of debris, including fallen bricks, steel bars, and sheets of tin. Their efforts have been supported by firefighters dispatched from Puerto Rico and Israel.
Identification of victims has posed a challenge for authorities, as families of the missing have been holding up photographs of their loved ones. They described the clothing worn by their relatives during the incident in hopes that it would aid in identification efforts, particularly given the likelihood of disfigurement. So far, officials from the National Institute of Forensic Pathology have reported identifying 54 victims.
This incident ranks among the worst disasters in Dominican history. Initial estimates suggested that between 500 and 1,000 people were inside the club at the time of the collapse. Additionally, official estimates indicate that at least 200 individuals sustained injuries during the incident.
The Jet Set nightclub has stated that it is cooperating fully with authorities as they conduct an investigation into the collapse, which has raised severe concerns about public safety. However, officials have indicated that it is premature to determine the cause of the roof’s failure, stating that an investigative phase will commence once the recovery of bodies is complete.
Expressions of sympathy and condolences have poured in from across the region. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended his condolences to the affected families, while Alix Didier Fils-Aime, the Prime Minister of neighbouring Haiti, conveyed his sympathies via social media platform X. In addition, Pope Francis also sent condolences, highlighting the event’s profound impact on the community.
As the nation mourns the loss of life and grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, officials are working diligently to support the families affected and ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.
Source : DW
