Death Toll Hits 225 In Dominican Capital Nightclub Tragedy

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

FOUR individuals who were rescued from the debris of a collapsed nightclub roof in the Dominican Republic and taken to the hospital have since died, bringing the total number of fatalities to 225, health officials announced on Saturday.

Stonix News, on Thursday, April 8, reported that 27 people were killed in the tragic incident. The death toll has since risen to a more devastating figure.

Authorities reported that 189 people were pulled out alive from the wreckage of the well-known venue in Santo Domingo, the capital.

Over 200 people suffered injuries, with 15 still hospitalized—five of them in critical condition.

The roof of Jet Set nightclub gave way early Tuesday during a merengue concert. Among the crowd were prominent figures including politicians, athletes, and a fashion designer, all gathered to enjoy the live music when the incident occurred.

By Saturday morning, families continued to wait at the forensics institute for the release of their loved ones’ remains. Later in the day, health officials confirmed that all 225 bodies had been returned to their families.

Health Minister Victor Attalah explained that identifying the victims took time, as most required biometric data for proper identification.

Among the confirmed victims are former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera. Also deceased is Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz.

Authorities have stated that it’s still too early to determine the cause of the collapse. Prosecutors visited the site on Thursday after rescue efforts concluded and equipment was removed.

President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje attended the funeral of singer Rubby Pérez on Thursday at the National Theater in Santo Domingo. Pérez had been performing on stage at Jet Set nightclub when debris started to fall, followed quickly by the roof’s collapse.

Dressed in black and white, mourners filled the theater, some overcome with emotion as a recording of Pérez singing the national anthem played during the somber service.