The Dominican Republic began the somber task of burying 220 victims of a catastrophic nightclub collapse in Santo Domingo on April 7, 2025, as the nation grapples with one of its deadliest tragedies. The disaster struck Club Oasis, a popular upscale venue in the capital, during a packed reggaeton concert when the roof caved in under heavy rain, trapping hundreds. 

Preliminary investigations point to structural failure, with inspectors noting the 20-year-old building lacked recent permits and had unapproved renovations. By April 11, rescue operations had ended, transitioning to recovery as families lined up at morgues to identify loved ones, many burned or crushed beyond recognition.

Funerals began across Santo Domingo, Santiago, and rural towns, with mass services held at Catedral Primada de América to accommodate grieving communities. President Luis Abinader declared a week of national mourning, canceling public events and lowering flags. “This is a wound we all feel,” he said during a visit to a makeshift memorial, where candles and flowers piled up outside the club’s ruins.

The death toll, initially reported at 98, climbed as rescuers uncovered more bodies, including 15 children under 18. Over 300 were injured, with 50 still critical, overwhelming hospitals like Plaza de la Salud. Survivors described chaos as exits jammed, and social media footage showed desperate attempts to free trapped patrons.

Public anger has mounted over lax building regulations, with protests outside City Hall demanding accountability. Authorities detained the club’s owner, Juan Ramírez, and two contractors, charging them with negligence pending a full probe.

Records show Oasis faced fines in 2023 for overcrowding but remained open. The tragedy has sparked calls for nationwide safety audits, with Abinader pledging reforms: “No family should endure this again.” For many Dominicans, the loss cuts deep, victims included students, parents, and a local radio DJ beloved for charity work. As burials continue, makeshift shrines grow, and stories of heroism, like a bouncer who saved five teens, offer glimmers of hope amid collective grief. The nation now faces a long road to healing and reckoning.