Off The Record
Nightclub Tragedy Claims Lives Of More Than 100, Including Ex-MLB Players
Rescue efforts are still underway after the roof of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic collapsed, killing more than 100 people.
The top of the Jet Set nightclub in southern Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, fell yesterday morning, April 8.
About an hour after the show’s main act, singer Rubby Pérez, started performing, the roof collapsed.
Videos have surfaced online showing portions of the roof collapsing and concertgoers starting to disperse; however, the entire edifice falls shortly after.
According to PA, as of this writing, there have been at least 124 confirmed deaths and over 255 documented injuries.
Additionally, authorities, relatives, and local media have already identified a few of the deceased.
Who the victims are
Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican outfielder Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera were among the two people slain, according to Satosky Terrero, spokesman for the nation’s Professional Baseball League.
Nelsy Cruz, the sister of seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz and the governor of the northwest province of Montecristi, reportedly called President Luis Abinader from beneath the debris to inform him of the tragedy, but she eventually died in the hospital.
Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, said that Pérez, who was performing at the club when the roof collapsed, was discovered dead.
Saxophonist Luis Solis was reportedly performing onstage when he passed away, along with a number of Venezuelan bartenders and an army captain.
Grupo Popular, a financial services corporation, announced the deaths of three of its employees, including the president and wife of AFP Popular Bank.
According to local media, the roof fall also claimed the lives of a government architect, a cardiologist, a retired police officer, and the brother of the Ministry of Youth’s vice minister.
According to reports, just 54 persons have been identified, while many more remain anonymous.
What officials have said
“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,” Secretary Marco Rubio wrote in a tweet earlier today (April 9) in response to the tragedy.
“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 assured, “We’re going to search tirelessly for people.”
The country’s former public health minister, Senator Daniel Rivera, said, “There’s a lot of pain. We need to have a lot of patience.”
Luis Abinader, the president of the Dominican Republic, has also announced three days of mourning.
In a statement shared on Twitter, he said, “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.”
What loved ones have said
In a statement shared yesterday, Dan Horwits, the agent for MLB pitcher Dotel, said, “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 waiting for word on the whereabouts of her 45-year-old artist niece, godson, Osiris Blanc, and his buddies.
She told PA, “It was their favorite place, they went there almost every Monday.”
Wilson Casado told NBC News that he is waiting for information regarding his cousin, nephew, and nephew’s wife.
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, a member of the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame, posted on Instagram that he is attempting to “be strong” while he waits for any developments, adding that some of his family members were inside the club when the roof fell.
He added, “We’re all sad. We’re all affected by the tragedy.”
What the club said
The Set club said in 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.”
Investigation
In the 24 hours since the roof fell, rescue workers have been concentrating on searching the wreckage for survivors; nevertheless, a thorough inquiry of how the catastrophe happened in the first place is anticipated.
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