A nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic has left over 100 people dead, including two former Major League Baseball players.
Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, both former athletes, were among at least 300 people inside the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo when the roof suddenly caved in around 1 a.m. local time on Tuesday, April 8.
At the time of the incident, the crowd was being entertained by merengue artist Rubby Pérez and his orchestra. The collapse triggered an immediate response from rescue workers, who began searching through the rubble.
In an update on April 9, Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center, confirmed that at least 113 people, including Dotel, Blanco, and performer Pérez, had lost their lives following the building collapse.
At least 113 people died in the collapse
Dotel was alive when rescued from the rubble, but tragically passed away en route to the hospital.
The Dominican Sports Ministry expressed its condolences following the news, mourning the loss of the two players. According to CNN, the ministry stated: “We share in their grief with their family, friends, and colleagues, and offer our prayers for their eternal rest.”
Another victim of the nightclub collapse was identified as Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province. MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz confirmed in a statement that Nelsy was a relative of his.
Among the deceased, 33 individuals have yet to be identified.
An additional 155 people were hospitalized due to the incident.
Méndez reassured the public that rescue workers are continuing to clear debris and search for survivors. He also mentioned that the son of Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella is among those still missing.
The entire roof of the nightclub collapsed in the incident
“We will search tirelessly for survivors,” he said.
The cause of the building’s roof collapse remains unclear, although aerial images show a large, gaping hole in the ceiling.
At least 22 public institutions have joined efforts to aid in the response to the disaster.
In response to the tragedy, Dominican President Luis Abinader has declared three days of national mourning.
In a statement on Twitter, Abinader expressed: “We deeply regret the tragedy at the Jet Set nightclub. All rescue agencies have provided the necessary support and are working tirelessly in the efforts. Our prayers are with the families affected.”
