Dominican Republic releases report on nightclub collapse that killed 221

Preliminary findings offer no clear cause as investigations into the structural failure continue.

Listen to article

The Dominican government on Friday released a preliminary report on the deadly nightclub roof collapse that claimed at least 221 lives in the capital, Santo Domingo, earlier this week.

The document, however, did not specify the causes of the structural failure.

The collapse occurred just after midnight on Tuesday during a live concert at the popular Jet Set nightclub. The venue was hosting renowned merengue singer Rubby Perez, who was among those killed in the incident.

Authorities said 189 people were rescued from the rubble, and 17 others remain hospitalised with injuries.

The Emergency Operations Center (COE) confirmed that the nightclub was operating at full capacity at the time of the collapse, though the exact number of attendees remains unknown.

According to ticketing platforms and local reports, the venue can accommodate between 700 and 1,000 people.

Over 4,500 emergency workers were mobilised in response, with search and recovery operations lasting nearly 59 hours. Rescuers combed through debris to retrieve survivors, recover bodies, and assist grieving families.

The National Institute of Forensic Pathology is still working to identify all the deceased and return their remains to relatives.

"This is the hardest task I've had in my 20 years of leading the COE," said Juan Manuel Mendez, the agency's director, during a press conference on Thursday.

A full investigation into the cause of the collapse is now underway. A joint team of national and international structural experts has been appointed to examine the venue’s design, maintenance records, and compliance with safety regulations.

Public reaction to the tragedy has been one of grief and growing frustration, with many calling for stricter enforcement of building codes and safety inspections in entertainment venues.

President Luis Abinader is scheduled to attend a memorial mass on Sunday at the Polideportivo De Haina sports centre. The mass will mark the final day of a three-day period of national mourning declared in honour of the victims.