Search ends, 124 dead in Dominican nightclub collapse

What began as a night of music and celebration in Santo Domingo ended in silence, rubble and unanswered prayers. A roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub, one of the Dominican Republic’s most iconic venues, has killed at least 124 people, officials said on Wednesday

Rescue teams have pulled 155 survivors from the wreckage since Tuesday, but hope is fading.

For two days, families have waited outside the collapsed building, showing photographs, describing clothing, and asking the same question — have you seen them?

"In the coming hours there will be a transition from a search and rescue phase to the recovery of the bodies phase," presidential spokesperson Homero Figueroa said.

Among the missing, Alex de Leon is searching for his ex-wife, the mother of their children, and a mutual friend.

"My 15-year-old son is devastated," he said. "And the little one, who is 9, remains calm because we've told him that his mom is at work."

The collapse struck during a concert by merengue legend Rubby Perez, drawing a crowd of politicians, athletes and artists. Perez, one of the country’s most beloved performers, was confirmed dead Wednesday morning.

Other victims included former Major League Baseball stars Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, along with Nelsy Cruz, governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. The son of the public works minister also died.

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