Rescue operations at Jet Set, a renowned dance venue in Santo Domingo, have turned sorrowful as officials confirmed that hopes of finding more survivors became bleak. The incident occurred early Tuesday during a lively merengue concert, leading to the tragic deaths of at least 113 individuals, according to Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Dominican Emergency Operations Center.
Authorities deployed sophisticated machinery, along with trained dogs and drones, to meticulously search through the wreckage as anxious families awaited updates about their loved ones. Méndez noted, "We have the same number of transfers to the hospital as 3 p.m. yesterday: 155," indicating that countless ambulance trips often transported multiple victims.
Among the deceased was Rubby Pérez, a celebrated performer on stage during the collapse, with his body located by rescue teams early Wednesday morning. The disaster at Jet Set struck a deep chord in the Dominican Republic, a country where the club has been a popular gathering spot for decades. It's frequented by entertainers, athletes, and politicians, a reflection seen in the names among the deceased: two former Major League Baseball players, a local governor, and a prominent fashion designer, with a member of Congress facing severe injuries.
As the nation mourns, the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic loss, hoping for answers and healing in the days ahead.
