The Dominican Republic on Thursday began the somber process of burying more than 200 victims who lost their lives when the roof of the popular Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a concert earlier this week, AFP reported.
Rescue operations, which began immediately after the incident early Tuesday, were called off Wednesday night after officials concluded that no more survivors could be found beneath the debris.
Over 300 emergency workers, assisted by sniffer dogs, had combed through the wreckage for two days in a desperate effort to save lives.
Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Center for Emergency Operations, told reporters Thursday the official toll stood at 221 and 189 others rescued from the rubble
A consolidated report of victims will be published in the coming hours, said Mendez.
“Our rescue team is already concluding the search operations,” he added.
Health Minister Victor Atallah, acknowledged the possibility that more bodies may still be buried under the wreckage.
He assured the public that every victim would be identified and accounted for.
“No one will be left unidentified. No one will be left without an answer,” he told reporters. “We are going to move every last stone that needs to be moved.”
The tragedy unfolded during a concert by beloved merengue artist Rubby Perez, who was performing when the roof suddenly gave way. Perez was among the dead. His daughter survived.
The collapse occurred while the venue was reportedly packed with between 500 and 1,000 concertgoers.
The club had a maximum capacity of 1,700 people and was considered a mainstay of Santo Domingo’s nightlife.
Among the deceased were Monte Cristi province governor Nelsy Cruz, and former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. More than 500 people were also reported injured.
President Luis Abinader attended a tribute to Perez on Thursday at the National Theater. The government has declared three days of national mourning and pledged to open an investigation into the incident once recovery efforts conclude.
“This has brought mourning to Haina, to our family, and to the entire country,” said Jose Santana, who lost four relatives in the disaster. Yesterday, we went from clinic to clinic hoping to find them alive. This morning, we were told they are all dead.”
Temporary facilities are being set up to assist with the overwhelming number of victims, and authorities have promised transparency and thoroughness in identifying the deceased.
