Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse Leaves Over 200 Dead, Rescue Operations End

Rescue efforts at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic have ended, with officials shifting focus to recovery after a devastating roof collapse claimed at least 221 lives early Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred during a live performance by merengue artist Rubby Pérez, whose body was found at the scene. Hundreds of rescuers worked nonstop to locate survivors, but by Thursday, emergency officials confirmed that all reasonable hopes of rescue had been exhausted.

The nightclub, a renowned venue in Santo Domingo, collapsed around 1 a.m. while packed with guests. Most victims suffered fatal head and chest injuries, according to Health Minister Victor Atallah, and many died instantly. The structure, over 50 years old, is now under scrutiny, though the exact cause of the collapse remains unclear.

President Luis Abinader declared three days of mourning and attended Pérez’s memorial on Thursday alongside other public figures. As of Thursday, 189 people had been rescued alive, and many others are still unaccounted for.

Two former MLB players were also confirmed among the deceased, adding to the national grief. The Jet Set was considered one of the country’s premier entertainment venues, regularly drawing elite crowds for its events.

Emotional scenes unfolded as families gathered at the site, hospitals, and a field hospital nearby, searching for loved ones. Officials now focus on dignified recovery efforts for the remaining victims.