As the Dominican community in Washington Heights continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy, the effects of the devastating incident stretch far beyond the borders of Santo Domingo. During a vigil outside United Palace Theater, Dominican New Yorkers joined in sorrow, singing their national anthem and expressing support for those affected in their homeland. "You are not alone. We have each other," Elida Almonte of Alianza Dominicana declared in a statement obtained by ABC7 New York.
In the Dominican Republic, the grim task of search and recovery continues to slowly unfold. The death toll has risen to nearly 100, with many still missing, including the legendary merengue singer Rubby Pérez. A witness recounted to ABC7 New York how Pérez continued singing in a desperate attempt to be able to find him and take him alive. Many relatives and friends now wait anxiously for any news about their loved ones. According to a report by The Guardian, approximately 370 rescue personnel are combing through the debris.
Former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco were also reported as casualties in the collapse, the former of whom had been rescued alive but later succumbed to injuries. This tragedy, encompassing a wide spectrum of the Dominican populace, from government officials to beloved artists and athletes, has resonated deeply within the Caribbean nation. President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning, as the country reflects on one of its most substantial recent tragedies.
Helicopter images have revealed the extent of the destruction, displaying a significant hole where the roof once stood, while a crane aids in the removal of heavier rubble. Rescue efforts are compounded by the emotional pleas from community members, such as Regina del Rosa, who told The Guardian, "We are desperate. They are not giving us news, they are not telling us anything.” Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center, admitted to the heavy loss, saying, "No people have been found alive since 3pm," in his latest update.
