Death toll in Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse nears 200 as officials scramble to identify victims | World News

The death toll in the devastating roof collapse in a nightclub in Dominican Republic has reached 200 on Wednesday, as dozens of people lingered near the Dominican Republic’s forensic institute for news of their loved ones as few still remain missing more than a day since the building’s roof collapsed.
The nightclub collapsed on Tuesday and the family members remained gathered outside the wreckage of Jet Set club in Santo Domingo, in order to know the status of their loved ones while sharing the identity details with the police.
Juan Manuel Mendez, head of the country’s emergency operations center said that the rescue operations were ongoing at the scene and crews were still looking for victims and potential survivors, however, no one has been rescued alive since Tuesday when the nightclub’s rooftop collapsed.
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Rescue workers search for survivors at the Jet Set nightclub after its roof collapsed during a concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, early. (Noticias SIN via AP)
During a press conference, Juan said “We’re not going to abandon anyone. Our work will continue.”
Juan added that emergency workers will continue their rescue efforts till the last body is found, however, he acknowledged that hopes of rescuing survivors under the rubble are diminishing as no one had been pulled out alive in more than 24 hours.

Homero Figueroa, the presidential spokesperson, said “In the coming hours there will be a transition from a search and rescue phase to the recovery of the bodies phase.”
The exact number of people who were there inside the club when the rooftop collapsed on Tuesday has remained unclear. The authorities on Wednesday had said that 155 people had been rescued from the rubble and transferred to hospitals.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd

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