Santo Domingo: The Dominican Republic has released its first official report on the catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub, which claimed the lives of at least 221 people during a packed merengue concert earlier this week.
The report, made public on Friday, did not identify the precise cause of the structural failure. Authorities stated that an ongoing investigation by a team of national and international experts will continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The collapse took place shortly after midnight on Tuesday, while hundreds gathered at the popular venue to attend a live performance by renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was among those confirmed dead.
Emergency response was immediate and extensive. More than 4,500 personnel from various government agencies and first responder units were deployed to the scene, working tirelessly for nearly 59 hours to search for survivors, recover bodies, and provide support to grieving families.
According to the national health service, 189 individuals were successfully pulled from the rubble alive. However, 17 people remain hospitalized with injuries ranging from critical to moderate.
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The Emergency Operations Center (COE) confirmed that the nightclub was operating at full capacity when the roof caved in, although the exact number of attendees has not been determined. Local media reports and ticketing platforms suggest the club typically accommodates between 700 and 1,000 people.
Efforts to identify the deceased are ongoing. The National Institute of Forensic Pathology continues its work to match victims with their families and ensure the respectful return of remains.
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“This is the hardest task I’ve had in my 20 years of leading the COE,” said Juan Manuel Méndez, chief of the Emergency Operations Center, during a press briefing on Thursday.
President Luis Abinader is expected to attend a memorial mass honoring the victims this Sunday at the Polideportivo De Haina sports center. The service will coincide with the final day of the official national mourning period.
