Sun Apr 13 03:19:59 UTC 2025: ## Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse Death Toll Rises to 226
**Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic** – The death toll from the collapse of the Jet Set nightclub roof in Santo Domingo has risen to 226, authorities announced Saturday. The tragedy, which occurred early Tuesday, is the worst in the Caribbean nation’s history in decades.
Health Minister Victor Atallah confirmed that 221 people died at the scene and a further five succumbed to their injuries in hospital. The initial collapse, during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Perez (who also died in the incident), left a scene described as resembling the aftermath of an earthquake. Aerial images showed the club reduced to twisted metal and brick.
While 189 survivors were pulled from the rubble, the sheer number of victims overwhelmed the capacity of local pathology institutes. Authorities worked around the clock to return all bodies to their families by Saturday morning, but some reported receiving incorrect remains. One grieving family member recounted receiving the wrong body, highlighting the challenges faced in the identification process.
The victims included citizens from several countries, including Haiti, Italy, France, the United States, and two retired Major League Baseball players, as well as a provincial governor. Twelve additional forensic pathologists were brought in to assist with identification.
President Luis Abinader has pledged a full investigation into the cause of the disaster and has extended the national mourning period to three additional days. A special commission of national and international experts will be formed to determine what led to the roof collapse. Meanwhile, a vigil was held near the club, with mourners leaving flowers and messages in remembrance of the victims.
First Piper 