Santo Domingo – An unfortunate incident took place late Tuesday night after a popular nightclub located in Santiago, collapsed during peak hours. The incident left at least 98 people dead and dozens injured. A national day of mourning has been announced while emergency workers continue their efforts to search for survivors.
As per local authorities, the multi-float structure called “Club Eclipse”was filled with hundreds of patrons when the upper floors suddenly gave way just after midnight. The deafening noise described by witnesses caused chaos due to the building getting caved in, trapping a plethora of individuals beneath concrete and steel.
“We heard cracking sounds above, and then everything just fell. People were screaming, running, trying to find a way out,” 24 year old Ana Ramírez said who sustained minor injuries in the incident.
Emergency Response
Rescue operations continued to the early hours of Wednesday with several local teams flooded to assist. Local hospitals are overwhelmed and search dogs are deployed in heavy machinery to locate any missing people.
This morning, President Luis Abinader ensures the Dominican Republic as he mourns for victims’ families alongside investigating the reason for the club’s collapse. He affirms, “We as a nation are grieving over this tragedy and our deepest condolences are extended. We will not rest until we provide answers and hold those accountable.”
Defective Construction Possibilities
Building investigators noted the possibility that unapproved renovations done to the club might have led to this foundation failure. They will further check whether the safety works were implemented during the last construction periods. The building flagged for code issues in 2023 had also unsealed for commercial use after paying off fines.
The nightclub/current suspects are being further escorted by local amenities alongside public works and the capitals’ investigative adaption holds in joint intermission.
Unified Country Repentance
Starting today, entertainment places will be closed as the government enacts three days of national mourning while citizens are free to partake in candlelight vigils for the victims in certain cities. Santiago is the prime hub.
Such acts will for sure spark debates regarding the enforcement zone of commercial entertainment building regulations labeled the deadliest in recent years for the Dominican Republic.
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