Santo Domingo.- Juan Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), confirmed Wednesday that 184 bodies have been recovered following the catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, which occurred early Tuesday morning. The death toll, certified by the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF), has prompted a state of national mourning as the country reels from the tragedy.
Méndez praised the relentless efforts of rescue teams from various institutions, including the Armed Forces, Civil Defense, Dominican Red Cross, Fire Department, and National Force. He emphasized the government’s full commitment to supporting victims’ families, assuring that no one will be abandoned in this time of grief. “The people trapped there could be any one of us—our children, our siblings,” he said during an emotional press conference.
Addressing reports of possible survivors found on Wednesday, Méndez clarified that these were unfortunate misunderstandings caused by the emotional reactions of relatives identifying loved ones. While he expressed hope for such miracles, he reiterated that the operation continues with the highest dedication. “This tragedy fills us with pain, but we will not rest until every possible life is accounted for,” he affirmed.
