Despair in Dominican Republic: Club Roof Collapse Claims 218 Lives, Rescue Efforts Shift to Recovery

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Hopes have faded for finding more survivors in the rubble of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, where a roof collapse earlier this week has claimed the lives of 218 people. Authorities have shifted their focus from search and rescue to recovery operations, signaling a somber end to the frantic search for those trapped beneath the wreckage.

The disaster occurred early Tuesday morning at the popular nightclub, a cultural jewel known for its lively nightlife. According to officials, 189 people have been rescued from the site.

Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the country’s Emergency Operations Center, stated that the search area has been "practically combed," leaving little hope for finding additional survivors. "It’s been very hard for everyone," Méndez said, expressing his condolences to the affected families. He also confirmed that search and rescue efforts were still underway.

The collapse occurred during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was later confirmed among the deceased. Other victims include employees of Grupo Popular, a major banking company, and Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi province.

The Emergency Operations Center announced the transition to the recovery phase. "Over the past few days, rescue teams have worked without interruption, removing debris, assisting the injured, and recovering people alive," the agency said. "However, having exhausted all reasonable avenues for finding more survivors, the operation now enters a different, but equally sensitive and crucial, phase: the recovery of human bodies with the due respect and dignity that each victim deserves."

Following the recovery efforts, a thorough investigation will be launched to determine the cause of the collapse. The incident has left the community in mourning and raised questions about safety regulations in public spaces.