The iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo was bustling with musicians, athletes, and government officials when debris began to fall from the ceiling, landing in patrons’ drinks.

Tragedy struck with the collapse of the entire roof, claiming the lives of at least 98 individuals and injuring around 160 in one of the worst nightclub disasters in the Dominican Republic’s history. As concrete slabs crashed down, more than 114 people were killed, and many others were trapped on a packed dance floor where attendees were enthusiastically enjoying a merengue concert early Tuesday morning. Authorities reported over 255 injuries.

Among the deceased was Rubby Pérez, a beloved merengue star who had been performing just moments before the calamity. His body was recovered early Wednesday, according to emergency operations director Juan Manuel Méndez.

Rescue teams continued to search for survivors more than a day after the incident. “We will remain here as long as there are reports of missing persons,” Méndez stated.

Assistance arrived from rescue teams from Puerto Rico and Israel on Wednesday to aid local officials in their efforts.

As night fell on Tuesday, families and friends still searching for their loved ones gathered outside the club, where a guitarist played soothing melodies while they sang hymns.

Only 32 victims have been identified thus far in what is marked as one of the Dominican Republic’s deadliest disasters. Reports indicate that among the victims were a cardiologist, a government architect, a retired police officer, and the brother of the vice minister of Youth.

Also among the deceased are MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, as confirmed by Satosky Terrero, spokesperson for the Professional Baseball League.

Nelsy Cruz, the Governor of Montecristi province and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, informed President Luis Abinader about the disaster. Tragically, she called for help from beneath the rubble but later succumbed to her injuries in a hospital.

Other casualties included saxophonist Luis Solís, who was performing on stage when the roof fell, several Venezuelan bartenders, and an Army officer who left behind four daughters. Grupo Popular, a financial services firm, noted that three of its employees perished, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife. Unfortunately, many more victims remain unidentified.

“I’ve searched all the hospitals and haven’t found her,” lamented Deysi Suriel, who was desperately trying to locate her friend, 61-year-old Milca Curiel, during her vacation in the Dominican Republic.

Numerous anxious relatives flocked to the National Institute of Forensic Pathology to search through lists of victims, while others scoured hospitals, clutching photos of their loved ones.

“There’s a lot of pain,” commented Senator Daniel Rivera, the former public health minister. “We must exercise patience.”

Among those desperately looking for their families was Kimberly Jones, whose godson, 45-year-old artist Osiris Blanc, and his friends were unaccounted for.

In a bold escalation of the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies, China announced on Wednesday, April 9, that it will increase tariffs on all goods imported from the United States to 84 per cent, up from the previously stated 34 per cent.

The new tariff rate, set to take effect on April 10, marks a sharp retaliation to Washington’s recent imposition of steep duties on Chinese exports.

Last week, Beijing signalled its initial response with a 34 per cent tariff on US-origin products, reacting to fresh trade restrictions from the US.

However, following the implementation of a 104 per cent tariff on Chinese imports by the US—effective Wednesday under former President Donald Trump’s policies—China has significantly ratcheted up its countermeasures. This tit-for-tat escalation signals deepening economic tension that could disrupt global trade and supply chains.

The US tariffs, which include a baseline 10 per cent increase rolled out over the weekend and additional levies from February and March, now total a staggering 104 per cent on Chinese goods.

Trump, who returned to the presidency, had initially proposed a 34 per cent tariff hike, but after China responded with its own 34 per cent duty on American products, he vowed to add another 50 percent, bringing the total to its current level.

On Tuesday, Trump claimed that the US was “taking in almost $2 billion a day” from these tariffs, defending his strategy as a means to revive America’s manufacturing sector by forcing companies to relocate domestically.

However, the global economic fallout has been immediate and severe. Since Trump’s baseline tariffs took effect, markets worldwide have experienced dramatic sell-offs, fueling fears of a potential recession. Starting Wednesday, import tariffs from dozens of economies, including major players like India, Brazil, and the European Union, are also rising, compounding the uncertainty.

In China, senior officials, including President Xi Jinping’s top economic advisor, condemned the US moves as “unilateralism, protectionism, and economic coercion.” The advisor emphasized that China’s retaliatory measures are not only to protect its own interests but also to uphold international trade rules.

“Our firm response demonstrates our commitment to defending fairness in global commerce,” he stated, warning that Beijing would fight “to the end” against what it perceives as American aggression.

Trump, meanwhile, remains undeterred, arguing that higher tariffs will pressure companies to shift production back to the US.

During a speech on April 8 at a fundraising gala for House Republicans, he outlined plans to impose major tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector, claiming it would incentivize firms to leave China and other countries. “We’re a very big market, and when they hear about these tariffs, they’ll open plants here,” he said.

During a fundraising gala for House Republicans, US President Donald Trump took a swipe at world leaders eager to negotiate trade deals, mimicking their desperation with a theatrical flourish. “These countries are calling us up, and trying everything,” he quipped, before imitating their pleas: “Please, please, sir, make a deal. I’ll do anything, sir.”

Trump’s remarks, delivered with his signature bravado, underscored his aggressive stance on international trade as he addressed supporters at the event. He also took aim at rebel Republicans who have suggested that Congress should handle trade negotiations instead of the executive branch. “Let me tell you, you don’t negotiate like I negotiate,” he asserted, dismissing their approach with confidence.

The comments came on the heels of escalating trade tensions, particularly with China. Earlier, the White House confirmed that US tariffs on Chinese imports would jump to 104 percent starting Wednesday, April 9.

A White House official told CNBC that the increase would proceed as planned after Trump warned of a potential 50 percent hike unless Beijing lifted its 34 percent retaliatory tariffs on US goods by Tuesday’s deadline. Trump had set a firm noon deadline on Tuesday, emphasizing that China needed to act swiftly to avoid further escalation.

At the gala, Trump also revealed plans to impose significant tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector, arguing that the US relies too heavily on foreign production. “We don’t make our own pharma drugs; they’re made in other countries. The same packet that costs a certain price abroad can be priced ten times higher here,” he said.

“We’re going to tariff pharma in such a way that companies will come rushing to us very soon. The advantage we have is that we’re a massive market. Very shortly, I’ll announce major tariffs on pharma, and when these companies hear that, they’ll leave China and other countries because most of their products are sold here. They’ll start opening plants in the US.”

Trump’s tariff strategy extends beyond China. Earlier this month, he announced new tariffs on imports from countries including India, Brazil, Japan, and the European Union, warning that more measures would follow. These actions have sparked uncertainty among nations and triggered volatility in global financial markets, as countries brace for potential economic repercussions.

The President’s remarks at the gala, which raised funds for House Republicans, reflect his “America First” approach, prioritizing domestic industry and reducing trade deficits. However, his mocking tone and unilateral decisions have drawn criticism from allies and adversaries alike, with some fearing a return to trade wars that could disrupt global economic stability.