The roof of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic collapsed, and over 200 people have tragically lost their lives. It happened on Tuesday, April 8, at the Jet Set nightclub in southern Santo Domingo, just after a concert started. Singer Rubby Pérez was performing when the roof began to cave in.
Videos online show parts of the roof falling, and you can see concertgoers trying to escape, but shortly after, the entire structure came crashing down.
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As of now, the death toll has reached at least 225. Officials confirmed that 189 people were pulled alive from the wreckage of the Jet Set club following the disaster. Fifteen of those rescued are still in hospital, with five in critical condition.
Some of the victims have already been named
Two Major League Baseball (MLB) players were confirmed among the victims. MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera were killed in the collapse.
Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, was also among the deceased. She had reportedly called President Luis Abinader from underneath the rubble but later passed away in the hospital.
Other well-known figures were also lost
Singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing during the collapse, was found dead, along with saxophonist Luis Solis. A number of Venezuelan bartenders, an army captain, and several others also lost their lives.
Grupo Popular, a financial services company, reported that three of its employees were killed, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife. Local media also named a cardiologist, a government architect, a retired police officer, and the brother of the vice minister of the Ministry of Youth among the victims.
So far, only 54 of the deceased have been identified, with many others still unnamed.
Officials have expressed their condolences
Senator Marco Rubio shared his condolences in a tweet, stating: “Jeanette and I are united in prayer as the people of the Dominican Republic grieve the recent tragedy that took place 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.”
Juan Manuel Mendez, the director of emergency operations, assured that search efforts would continue. “We’re going to search tirelessly for people,” he said.
Other leaders are speaking out as well
Dominican President Luis Abinader declared three days of mourning. He shared his condolences on X:
“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. All rescue agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”
Former public health minister, Senator Daniel Rivera, also expressed his sorrow. “There’s a lot of pain. We need to have a lot of patience.”
Loved ones are grieving and hoping for news
MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel’s agent, Dan Horwits, shared a statement: “His energy, positivity and zest for life were infectious to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. We pass along our thoughts and prayers to his entire family as well as everyone affected by the tragedy.”
Kimberly Jones is waiting for news about her niece, godson, 45-year-old artist Osiris Blanc, and his friends, who are reportedly still missing. She told PA, “It was their favorite place, they went there almost every Monday.”
Wilson Casado spoke to NBC News about his missing family members: his nephew, his nephew’s wife, and his cousin. He said, “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.”
Pedro Martinez, Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer, took to Instagram to express his sadness, revealing that some of his own family were in the club when the roof collapsed. “We’re all sad. We’re all affected by the tragedy,” he wrote.
The club’s also mourning the tragedy
Jet Set nightclub shared a heartfelt message following the collapse: [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.”
An investigation is expected following the rescue efforts
Rescue teams have tirelessly searched for survivors in the wreckage since the roof collapse. The death toll from the nightclub roof collapse has now climbed to 225.
An in-depth investigation is expected to look into how the tragedy unfolded in the first place.
