The death toll from the collapse of a nightclub roof in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, has increased to 225. Following the tragedy at the Jet Set club on Tuesday 189 individuals were rescued alive from the rubble, with 15 admitted to the hospital, five of whom are in critical condition.
Four additional deaths were reported overnight, bringing the total death count to 225 as of Saturday, with all the deceased individuals’ bodies having been returned to their families according to health authorities.
Diverse attendees including politicians, athletes, and a fashion designer had gathered for a merengue concert at the club when the accident occurred. Luis Abinader, the Dominican Republic’s President, and his wife Raquel Arbaje attended the burial of singer Rubby Perez in the city’s National Theatre on Thursday. Others identified among the victims are former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, as well as Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi.
Health minister Victor Attalah stated on Saturday that the identification of victims was delayed because most were identified using biometric data.》
Pic: AP
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It is too early to determine the cause of the roof collapse, with prosecutors visiting the site on Thursday after rescue efforts were scaled down and heavy machinery removed.
Perez, who was performing onstage at the packed club when the ceiling dust fell, and shortly afterward the roof caved in. Mourners dressed in black and white attended his funeral, with some in tears as a recording of him singing the national anthem was played.
