Dominican Republic halts search for survivors after nightclub collapse: Death toll reaches 220
Photo: 220 people died in the Dominican Republic in the collapse of a nightclub (pbs.org)
Rescue efforts have concluded in the capital of the Dominican Republic following the collapse of a nightclub roof during a concert. At least 221 people were killed, Reuters reports.
While families continue to mourn their loved ones, authorities have yet to determine the cause of the disaster or the exact number of people present at the fateful event.
The sudden collapse at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo occurred during a concert by merengue singer Rubby Perez, attended by politicians, athletes, and other well-known local figures.
"Today the search, rescue, and recovery of victims ended," Presidential spokesperson Homero Figueroa said in a video the government posted on social media. "Now it is time to move on to another phase, that of understanding and explaining what happened."
Figueroa also announced that the Dominican Republic government has approved the creation of a team of national and international experts to investigate the cause of the roof collapse at the popular venue.
Rescue operation
Emergency crews were able to pull around 200 survivors from the building in the hours following the disaster.
Juan Manuel Mendez, Head of the country's emergency operations center (COE), said, "This is the hardest task I've had in my 20 years of leading the COE," before breaking down in tears.
Once the rescue operations ended, families of the missing, who had stood for days around the nightclub, finally left the area - many in silent embraces.
Among the deceased was Ruddy Perez, the singer performing that night.
President Luis Abinader attended his funeral on Thursday. A public memorial service for Perez was scheduled for later that day.
Pitcher Octavio Dotel and slugger Tony Blanco, both former Major League Baseball players, also died.
The tragic incident occurred in Santo Domingo on April 9, when the roof of Jet Set nightclub collapsed during a concert.
