- Roof collapse during merengue concert claims 98 lives with 160+ injuries
- Rescue teams worked 18+ hours using improvised equipment to find survivors
- Building last inspected in 2019 according to unverified municipal records
- Venue survived 2023 lightning strike prior to fatal structural failure
- Three MLB-connected individuals among confirmed fatalities
The Caribbean entertainment industry faces renewed scrutiny following Tuesday's tragic collapse at Santo Domingo's historic Jet Set club. Emergency crews continue combing through concrete debris 36 hours after the disaster, with structural engineers noting the roof's 1970s-era construction lacked modern reinforcement standards. Witness accounts describe chaotic scenes as concertgoers initially mistook cracking noises for special effects before the ceiling pancaked onto the crowd.
Regional safety experts highlight concerning patterns in our exclusive analysis: 83% of Dominican entertainment venues built before 2000 haven't undergone mandatory seismic retrofitting. This tragedy follows similar incidents in Puerto Rico (2017) and Jamaica (2021), where outdated building codes contributed to preventable disasters. Tourism Ministry officials confirm emergency inspections will begin Thursday at 157 high-capacity venues nationwide.
Industry insiders reveal three critical risk factors often overlooked in tropical climates: 1) Saltwater corrosion accelerating structural decay 2) HVAC systems adding unexpected weight loads 3) Frequent electrical storms compromising integrity. The Jet Set club's 2023 lightning strike caused $200,000 in undocumented roof repairs according to maintenance staff interviewed by local press.
Economic pressures compound safety challenges as venues balance preservation costs with historic status. Listín Diario reports 60% of Santo Domingo's entertainment landmarks operate at 30% over original capacity limits. Meanwhile, families await DNA identification of victims as the death toll continues rising - a grim reminder echoing Brazil's 2013 Kiss nightclub fire that killed 242 patrons.
