The death toll from the collapse of a cement roof at a popular nightclub in the Dominican Republic surged to 221 on Thursday, as search crews continued to sift through rubble and the country mourned the loss of one of its most beloved merengue stars and dozens of others.
In Santo Domingo, mourners dressed in black and white gathered at the National Theater to pay their respects to Dominican Republic singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing at the Jet Set club when the ceiling caved in early Tuesday. His body lay in a closed coffin as attendees wept during a recording of him singing the national anthem.
President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje stood silently at Pérez’s casket. Among those present was acclaimed Dominican artist Juan Luis Guerra, joining hundreds in honoring the music icon.
Just blocks away, rescue crews pressed on with their search for more victims beneath the wreckage, although no one has been found alive since Tuesday afternoon.
“We’ve practically combed through ground zero,” said Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, who noted that only one small area remained to be cleared. Later that day, Méndez became emotional while addressing the media.
“Thank you, God, because today we accomplished the most difficult task I’ve had in 20 years,” he said, stepping away from the microphone in tears. He was comforted by other officials before handing the mic to an army representative.
So far, 189 people have been rescued alive, with more than 200 injured. Twenty-four remain hospitalized, including eight in critical condition.
“If the trauma is too great, there’s not a lot of time,” said Health Minister Víctor Atallah, referring to patients with injuries including skull, femur, and pelvic fractures.
The Jet Set club was filled with high-profile guests—musicians, athletes, and government officials—when dust reportedly began to fall from the ceiling. Within minutes, the entire roof collapsed.
Authorities have identified 146 bodies so far. The tragedy has left dozens of families waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones.
Among the deceased are former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, and Nelsy Cruz, brother of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz and governor of Montecristi province.
Dotel’s wake on Wednesday drew hundreds, including Hall of Famer David Ortiz. “He was a person whom everyone loved,” Ortiz said. “It’s very hard, very hard, truly.”
Other victims include a retired UN official, saxophonist Luis Solís, New York-based fashion designer Martín Polanco, the son and daughter-in-law of the public works minister, the brother of the vice minister of youth, and three employees of Grupo Popular, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife.
Following the collapse, the 911 system received more than 100 calls, many from people trapped beneath the rubble, according to system director Randolfo Rijo Gómez. He said police arrived at the scene in 90 seconds, followed quickly by 25 soldiers, seven fire brigades, and 77 ambulances.
Prosecutors are now involved as the Dominican Republic government prepares for a full investigation once recovery efforts end. It remains unclear what caused the collapse or when the building was last inspected.
Jet Set club management issued a statement saying it is cooperating with authorities. A spokesperson for the owning family declined to comment further on the building’s inspection history.
