Last November, a tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo drew widespread condemnations and calls for improved protections. Our nation is grieving during this difficult time. The explosion took place Tuesday morning amid a crowded and colorful merengue concert. Even more tragically, it has cost the lives of 225 people. Eyewitnesses told of a gruesome, panic-filled scene. Dust began to plummet from the rafters mere minutes before the roof eventually came down, creating a scene of utter chaos among concert attendees.
Rescue efforts quickly followed the building’s collapse. Their emergency services found survivors day and night buried in the rubble. In these two incidents combined, 189 people were rescued snatched alive, but more than 200 other people were injured. Authorities announced that at the time of publication, 15 people are still hospitalized including five listed as critical.
Among the dead are high-profile figures including former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera. The disaster claimed the life of Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi province in the country’s northwest. It has claimed the life of his brother, Nelson Cruz, a seven-time MLB All-Star. Further adding to this tragedy, internationally esteemed singer Rubby Pérez was one of the affected.
Identification of those who perished has continued through the use of biometric data and the bodies of those who lost their lives have been returned to their families. Putting this process in place allowed families their first steps towards mourning and finding closure with their loved ones.
As investigations proceed, officials haven’t said what led to the roof collapse. The tragedy has opened up deep, critical questions about federal building and safety standards and enforcement and their application to entertainment venues nationwide. Community leaders are calling for a full investigation. Citizens are following their lead, hoping to stop similar tragedies from occurring in the future.