By Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro
Since the roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo early Tuesday morning, the death toll has continued to rise.
The well-known venue, in operation for fifty years, was hosting a merengue concert attended by politicians and athletes when the roof of the single-storey building suddenly gave way, crashing down onto the packed dancefloor.
Authorities have confirmed 98 fatalities, including beloved Dominican merengue star Rubby Pérez, who was performing at the time of the tragedy. Approximately 160 others were injured.
As rescue crews continued to search through the debris for survivors, worried crowds gathered outside the nightclub, hoping for updates on missing loved ones. Many also waited at the Institute of Forensic Science to help identify the deceased.
Dominican officials have yet to issue a statement, though an investigation into the cause of the collapse is expected.
