The night before Thursday, Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the country's rescue service, told the media that 184 dead had been found. Only half a day later, the figure had risen to 218.
The announcement came in connection with the formal conclusion of the search for survivors. A large number of people are still being treated in hospitals.
Exactly what happened is unclear. In films recorded by club visitors, a man is seen suddenly pointing towards the ceiling and saying that something is falling. Barely 30 seconds later, a loud noise is heard before everything goes black, reports BBC.
Dad, what happened? a woman is heard shouting.
The accident occurred when many of the country's rich and famous had gathered to dance to merengue and bachata music, a tradition every Monday evening for 50 years, wrote Spanish El País on Wednesday. Among the deceased is a well-known Dominican musician who played during the accident, as well as two former professional baseball players.
Corrected: An earlier version contained an incorrect description of the accident.
