At least 79 people are confirmed dead and over 150 injured following a catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning during a concert featuring popular merengue artist Rubby Pérez, who is reportedly among those trapped under the debris.
Former Major League Baseball player Octavio Dotel, aged 51, was one of the victims, succumbing to his injuries while en route to the hospital. Dotel had a notable career, playing for teams like the New York Mets and Chicago White Sox.
The nightclub was bustling with hundreds of attendees at the time, with about 400 rescuers now working tirelessly to locate any remaining survivors. Authorities are holding out hope that more people may be alive beneath the wreckage, despite fears of further fatalities.
Among the deceased is Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province, and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. As accounts of the incident emerge, video footage shared on social media captures the moments leading up to the collapse, with a voice in the crowd alerting others that “something fell from the ceiling.”
The suddenness of the collapse has left families devastated, and President Luis Abinader has extended condolences to the grieving families affected by this heartrending event. Rescue efforts are ongoing as the community rallies together during this tragic time.
