The owner of the nightclub where a catastrophic collapse killed over 200 people has finally addressed the tragedy.
Early Tuesday morning (April 8), the roof of Jet Set nightclub in southern Santo Domingo gave way approximately one hour into a concert event.
Singer Rubby Pérez was performing when the incident occurred, with footage quickly spreading online showing the roof collapsing before the entire structure imploded.
Jet Set proprietor Antonio Espaillat broke his silence through an Instagram statement: “Words cannot convey the anguish this tragedy has caused. This event has been devastating for everyone involved. We want to assure you that we stand with you and share in your grief.”
He further stated: “We have been providing complete and transparent cooperation with authorities from the outset. We maintain ongoing communication with the Emergency Operations Center (COE) as search and rescue operations continue, involving emergency teams, volunteers, and personnel from more than 22 organizations.”
The death toll has reached at least 218 victims, with numbers increasing daily as rescue teams continue their work at the site.
“We will finalize the rescue operation today,” announced Jose Luis Frometa Herasme, who heads the fire department.
More than 300 rescue personnel spent two days searching through brick debris and metal reinforcement bars to locate survivors and recover bodies. Firefighters from Puerto Rico and Israel provided additional support to these efforts.
Reports indicate between 500-1000 attendees were enjoying the merengue performance when the structure failed.
Though Pérez’s daughter managed to escape, the singer himself perished in the collapse, along with former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera.
A representative of the country’s Professional Baseball League, Satosky Terrero, confirmed the athletes’ deaths.
MLB pitcher Dotel’s representative, Dan Horwits, released a statement saying: “His enthusiasm, optimism and passion for life brightened the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. Our thoughts and prayers extend to his family and all those affected by this catastrophe.”
The governor of the north-western province of Montecristi, who is also the sister of MLB player Nelson Cruz, reportedly contacted President Luis Abinader from beneath the debris to inform him about the nightclub disaster, but later succumbed to her injuries in hospital.
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