Nightclub roof collapse kills dozens in Dominican Republic, including former MLB players

 

A devastating structural failure at a well-known nightlife venue in the Dominican Republic has resulted in numerous fatalities, including a couple of former professional baseball players. 

Emergency responders are intensely sifting through the debris after the roof of the celebrated Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic's capital, Santo Domingo, gave way in the early hours of Tuesday. This catastrophic event tragically ended the lives of many individuals and left a significant number injured.  

Authorities reported that approximately 300 patrons were present inside the Jet Set establishment when the overhead covering caved in around 1:00 a.m. The collapse occurred during a musical performance by the merengue artist Rubby Pérez and his band. As of Tuesday evening, Pérez's location was uncertain, raising concerns that he might be among those who perished.

The Associated Press, citing local officials, indicated on Tuesday that at least 98 lives were lost in the incident, including two individuals who previously played in Major League Baseball. The National Emergency System stated that a minimum of 223 people sustained injuries due to the roof's disintegration.

Distraught relatives of those unaccounted for congregated at the disaster site, sharing images of their loved ones on Tuesday morning. Simultaneously, a multitude of ambulances urgently transported the injured to medical facilities.  

"We are continuing to remove wreckage and search for individuals," stated Juan Manuel Méndez, the director of the Emergency Operations Center, on Tuesday night. "We will relentlessly pursue the search for people."

The underlying reason for the structural breakdown has not yet been determined.

Aerial visuals captured by local news outlets on Tuesday morning displayed the venue with a large, open void in the building's center, which would have been the location of the audience during the musical act. Footage originating from inside the club seemingly captured the precise moment the calamity unfolded.

One recording shows the musicians performing when someone near the stage pointed out that something had fallen towards the rear of the Jet Set club. Shortly thereafter, hanging light fixtures suspended from the ceiling began to fall, followed by the complete collapse of the roof above. Shouts and the sounds of destruction can be heard for a brief period before the video feed ceased.  

Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball player, was among those who died, according to Méndez and Dotel’s charitable organization. Méndez informed CNN that Dotel passed away en route to the hospital after initially being rescued alive from the wreckage.  

Dotel’s educational institution, Colegio Sabiduría y Baluarte, expressed their sorrow in a statement, noting that he leaves behind "an enduring impact on all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him."

Another former major league player, Tony Blanco, also died as a result of the collapse, as confirmed by MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred and the Dominican Sports Ministry.  

"We share in their sorrow with their family, friends, and colleagues, and we offer our prayers for their eternal peace," the ministry said of Blanco in a formal statement.

Also among the deceased was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the Monte Cristi province, as announced by Dominican President Luis Abinader. According to a statement from her family mourning her passing, Cruz was related to MLB all-star Nelson Cruz.  

Furthermore, Méndez added that the son of Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella is among those who are currently missing.  

Officials indicated that personnel from at least 22 public agencies are at the location, assisting with the emergency response efforts.

Abinader has declared a three-day period of mourning following the catastrophe. He, along with his wife, First Lady Raquel Arbaje, traveled to the nightclub later on Tuesday morning to convey their condolences to the bereaved.

“We deeply lament the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub,” Abinader conveyed on social media. “All emergency response teams have provided the necessary aid and are working tirelessly in the rescue operations. Our prayers are with the affected families.”

Carolina Mejía de Garrigó, the city’s mayor, stated that Santo Domingo was awakening "to a terrible tragedy," extending her sympathies to families "still awaiting news of their loved ones."

The Jet Set nightclub is recognized as one of the most prominent entertainment venues in the Caribbean nation, and its Monday night events typically draw large crowds.

This is an ongoing situation, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.