At least 184 people have been killed in the Dominican Republic after the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed.
On Thursday, the country’s emergency operations director, Juan Mendez, said the 184 victims were a “preliminary figure.”
Officials in the Dominican Republic, who confirmed the death, disclosed that 150 others were injured in the calamity, which occurred on Tuesday, according to Aljazeera news.
Mr Mendez said, “Until we have combed through everything, we are not going to abandon anyone.
“We will be here until we have recovered everyone, dead or alive,” he said, adding that no survivors had been found under the rubble since Tuesday afternoon.
Hundreds of guests were inside the nightclub attending a concert by popular merengue singer Rubby Pérez.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on X that at least one American and multiple legal permanent residents died in the roof collapse.
The nightclub’s owner, Antonio Espaillat, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
“There are not enough words to express the pain this event generates. What happened has been devastating for everyone. We want you to know that we are with you and that we share your anguish,” said Mr Espaillat. “We have been collaborating fully and transparently with the authorities, and we continue in constant cooperation with the Emergency Operations Center (COE) as search and rescue efforts continue,” Mr Espaillat added.
