Burials begin as search ends for victims in Dominican nightclub collapse that killed 221

The Dominican Republic is mourning a devastating loss after the roof of the popular Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo caved in, killing 221 people. The incident occurred during a live performance by merengue legend Rubby Pérez, who was among those killed. Other notable victims included former MLB stars Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, as well as several public figures and artists.

Thousands of grieving fans, friends, and family members gathered at the National Theater to pay their respects to Rubby Pérez. His closed coffin was placed at the front while a recording of him singing the national anthem played. The somber mood intensified as mourners broke into tears, with some clutching their chests in sorrow. President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje also attended the memorial. After the service, the crowd released white balloons and sang his classic hit “Volveré” in tribute. Pérez’s daughter, Zulinka, expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, saying she never imagined how cherished he was.

The collapse took place early Tuesday, just as Pérez performed onstage. Witnesses reported dust falling moments before the concrete roof gave way. Emergency crews rescued 189 people, and more than 200 were injured, with some still in critical condition. Officials confirmed the search for bodies has ended, and recovery equipment has been withdrawn. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the collapse but have promised a thorough investigation. The nightclub's owners say they are fully cooperating.

The aftermath has overwhelmed hospitals and forensic centers. Families desperate for information about their loved ones have described chaotic conditions and long waits, especially at the National Institute of Forensic Pathology. Many complained about the smell and lack of clear communication. As of Thursday, 146 bodies had been identified, but many relatives were still anxiously waiting for updates. Wendy Sosa, who lost her cousin, described the scene as unbearable and heartbreaking.

The tragedy has deeply affected the Dominican baseball community. Octavio Dotel, remembered for his successful MLB career, was buried in Santo Domingo, with a large crowd attending his wake. David Ortiz, a fellow Hall of Famer, paid tribute, saying Dotel was universally loved. Pedro Martínez, another legend, said the pain was indescribable, sharing that he personally knew more than 50 victims. “Life is but a breath,” he said, reflecting the somber mood of the nation.

In the town of Haina, Rubby Pérez’s birthplace, the sense of loss was immense. The local government organized a communal wake for over 20 hometown victims, setting up rows of coffins under a banner honoring their memory. Among the mourners was Juancho Guillén, who had recently lost his wife and now faced the deaths of three more family members. He said their family was emotionally shattered, describing the loss as unbearable.