Grief and questions remain as burials begin for 221 victims of Dominican nightclub collapse

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic. Grieving families and an entire nation mourned Thursday as burials began for the victims of the tragic nightclub collapse in the Dominican Republic that claimed 221 lives, including a merengue legend, a former MLB star, and prominent members of Dominican society.

Authorities officially ended search and rescue operations at the site of the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo, where the cement roof collapsed early Tuesday during a live performance by 69-year-old merengue icon Rubby Pérez.

Mourners, many dressed in black and white, gathered at the National Theater where Pérez’s closed coffin lay in state. Among those paying tribute were President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje, who stood solemnly beside the casket. A recording of Pérez singing the national anthem played, bringing many to tears.

After a five-hour memorial, the crowd released white balloons outside the theater and joined in an emotional rendition of “Volveré,” one of Pérez’s signature songs. “I knew he was loved but I never imagined this,” said his daughter Zulinka Pérez, overwhelmed by the outpouring of grief.

Pérez had turned to music after a car accident ended his dreams of becoming a professional baseball player. He rose to fame with hits like “Volveré” with the Wilfrido Vargas orchestra and “Buscando tus besos” as a solo artist.

Just blocks from the theater, rescue crews began packing up, and heavy machinery was withdrawn from the disaster site. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, broke down in tears while speaking to reporters:

“Thank you, God, because today we accomplished the most difficult task I’ve had in 20 years,” he said. “Please forgive me,” he added emotionally, handing over the microphone.

Rising Toll and Lingering Questions

Officials confirmed 189 people were rescued alive, while more than 200 were injured, 23 of whom remain hospitalized — eight in critical condition. Health Minister Víctor Atallah warned, “If the trauma is too great, there’s not a lot of time” to save the most seriously wounded. Victims suffered fractures to the skull, femur, and pelvis.

Authorities have identified at least 146 bodies. Families, desperate for news, criticized the lack of clear information from hospitals and the forensic institute.
“We have gone everywhere they have told us,” said María Luisa Taveras, searching for her sister.
“The odor is unbearable,” added Wendy Sosa, waiting for her cousin’s body outside the National Institute of Forensic Pathology, where refrigerated containers were brought in to hold the influx of victims.

Stars, Officials Among the Dead

Among the deceased were former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera; Nelsy Cruz, the sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz and governor of Montecristi; Luis Solís, a saxophonist playing onstage during the collapse; and Martín Polanco, a New York-based fashion designer.

Also killed were the son and daughter-in-law of the Minister of Public Works, the brother of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Youth, and three employees of Grupo Popular, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife.

More than 20 victims were from Haina, Pérez’s hometown. A mass wake was held, with ten coffins lined beneath a banner: “Haina bids farewell to her beloved children with immense sorrow.”

Juancho Guillén, who lost his brother, sister, and brother-in-law in the tragedy — just months after losing his wife — summed up the grief of many:

“This family is in shock, is devastated. We’re practically dead too,” he said.

Investigations Underway

The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet confirmed when the building was last inspected. The government has vowed a full probe, and club owners said they are cooperating.

As the Dominican Republic buries its dead, it also faces a long road ahead — seeking answers, justice, and healing in the wake of one of its deadliest modern tragedies.