Everything we know so far after nightclub roof collapse leaves over 100 people dead including former MLB players
The ceiling of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic gave way, killing more than 100 individuals while teams search for survivors. On Monday morning (April 8), the roof of Jet Set nightclub in southern Santo Domingo suddenly collapsed. The structure failed approximately one hour after a concert began, with performer Rubby Pérez as the main attraction. Footage circulating online shows sections of the ceiling falling as attendees start moving away, followed by the complete structural failure. Currently, at least 124 people have died and over 255 individuals have sustained injuries, according to PA. Several victims have been identified by officials, relatives and local news sources.
A representative for the country's Professional Baseball League, Satosky Terrero, verified that MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera were among the deceased. Nelsy Cruz, who governs the north-western province of Montecristi and is the sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, reportedly contacted President Luis Abinader from beneath the debris but later died in hospital.
Pérez, who was performing when the disaster occurred, was found dead, according to Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations. Luis Solis, a saxophonist also performing onstage, reportedly died, along with several Venezuelan bartenders and an army captain.
Financial company Grupo Popular confirmed three employees died, including the AFP Popular Bank president and his spouse. Local news reports indicate a cardiologist, government architect, retired police officer and the brother of the vice minister of the Ministry of Youth are also among the casualties. Only 54 individuals have been identified, leaving many unnamed victims.
Secretary Marco Rubio stated on Twitter today (April 9): "Jeanette and I are united in prayer as the people of the Dominican Republic grieve the recent tragedy that occurred in Jet Set night club in Santo Domingo, which also resulted in the unfortunate death of at least one U.S. citizen and U.S. Legal Permanent Residents, while rescue efforts remain ongoing. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating event. The U.S. stands ready to support our Dominican allies amid this difficult time."
Emergency operations director Juan Manuel Mendez promised: "We're going to search tirelessly for people."
Senator Daniel Rivera, the country's former public health minister, stated: "There's a lot of pain. We need to have a lot of patience."
Dominican President Luis Abinader declared three days of mourning. In his Twitter statement, he expressed: "We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub."
All rescue agencies have supplied needed help and are working continuously in the rescue efforts. Our prayers accompany the impacted families."
MLB pitcher Dotel's representative, Dan Horwits, issued a statement yesterday: "His energy, positivity and enthusiasm for life were contagious to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. We extend our thoughts and prayers to his entire family and everyone affected by the tragedy."
Kimberly Jones still waits for news about her niece, godson, 45-year-old artist Osiris Blanc, and his companions who are reportedly still missing. She told PA: "It was their favorite place, they went there almost every Monday."
Wilson Casado informed NBC News he awaits information about his nephew, nephew's wife and his cousin. He explained: "We don't know anything yet. We don't know anything about where they could be yet. We just hope they're at a hospital, to be able to see them again."
Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez posted on Instagram that some of his family members were in the club during the collapse and he's trying to "be strong" while waiting for updates. He noted: "We're all sad. We're all affected by the tragedy."
Jet Set club released a statement: [Translated] "There are no words to express the pain this event has caused. What happened has been devastating for everyone. We want you to know that we are with you and that we share your anguish. As the Jet Set family, we are with you. To you, mothers, fathers, siblings, children, and loved ones of those affected: you can count on us."
Rescue teams have concentrated on finding survivors in the debris during the 24 hours since the roof collapsed, however, a thorough investigation into the cause of the tragedy is anticipated.
