A tragic incident unfolded in the Dominican Republic when the roof of a nightclub collapsed, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 individuals. Efforts to find survivors are still ongoing.
The collapse occurred yesterday morning (April 8) at the Jet Set nightclub located in southern Santo Domingo.
The roof gave way approximately an hour after the concert began, with singer Rubby Pérez as the main performer.
Videos have surfaced online showing sections of the roof falling, prompting concert-goers to move away before the entire structure eventually collapsed.
According to PA, at least 124 people have been confirmed dead and over 255 others have sustained injuries.
Some of the deceased have been identified by officials, family members, and local media.
Satosky Terrero, a spokesman for the country’s Professional Baseball League, revealed that two of the victims were Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera.
Reports indicate that Nelsy Cruz, Governor of the north-western province of Montecristi and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, contacted President Luis Abinader from beneath the rubble to inform him of the disaster but later died in the hospital.
Pérez, who was performing at the time of the roof collapse, was found deceased, as confirmed by Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations.
Also reported dead is saxophonist Luis Solis, along with several Venezuelan bartenders and an army captain.
Financial services company Grupo Popular reported that three of its employees, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife, lost their lives.
Local media also reported that a cardiologist, a government architect, a retired police officer, and the brother of the vice minister of the Ministry of Youth were among the victims.
Currently, only 54 individuals have been identified, leaving many others unnamed.
In a statement on Twitter shared earlier today (April 9), Secretary Marco Rubio expressed: “Jeanette and I are united in prayer as the people of the Dominican Republic grieve the recent tragedy that took place in Jet Set nightclub 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,” he added.
Juan Manuel Mendez, director of emergency operations, assured the public: “We’re going to search tirelessly for people.”
Former public health minister, Senator Daniel Rivera, commented on the situation, stating: “There’s a lot of pain. We need to have a lot of patience.”
President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic has declared a three-day mourning period.
In a statement shared on Twitter, he stated: “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.”
MLB pitcher Dotel’s agent, Dan Horwits, released a statement yesterday: “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 still awaiting news of her niece, godson, and 45-year-old artist Osiris Blanc, who remain missing along with his friends.
She told PA: “It was their favorite place, they went there almost every Monday.”
Wilson Casado shared with NBC News that he is waiting for updates about his nephew, his nephew’s wife, and his cousin.
He expressed: “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 took to Instagram, revealing that some of his family members were in the club during the collapse. He mentioned trying to “be strong” while waiting for any updates.
He added: “We’re all sad. We’re all affected by the tragedy.”
Jet Set club issued 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 been diligently searching for survivors amidst the rubble since the roof’s collapse, and a detailed investigation into the causes of this disaster is anticipated.
If you have experienced a bereavement and wish to speak with someone in confidence, you can contact GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].