The tragic nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic has resulted in 226 deaths, with authorities confirming all bodies have been returned to their families.
The disaster, which occurred at the Jet Set club during a performance, has become the country’s worst tragedy in decades.
Initially, 221 people died at the scene, with another five succumbing to injuries in the hospital, including a Costa Rican citizen.
The event, which occurred during a meringue singer’s performance, left the club in ruins, resembling an earthquake’s aftermath.
Credit: Prensa Servicio 911 / AFP
Residents near the club described hearing an “explosion” and desperate cries for help. A makeshift vigil was held, with attendees expressing grief and demanding answers.
Despite the scale of the tragedy overwhelming initial resources, authorities managed to return all remains to families. However, some families reported errors in identification.
The victims included individuals from Haiti, Italy, France, and the United States, as well as prominent Dominican figures.
To aid in the identification process, additional forensic pathologists were brought in.
The government extended the national mourning period and formed a commission to investigate the cause of the collapse.
President Abinader pledged to uncover the details of the incident.
