The roof of a nightclub that collapsed in the Dominican Republic has killed more than 100 people, including two former Major League Baseball players.
Former athletes Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco were two of at least 300 people inside the Jet Set nightclub in the capital Santo Domingo when the building’s roof suddenly collapsed at around 1 a.m. local time on Tuesday morning (April 8).
The crowd was being entertained by merengue artist Rubby Pérez and his orchestra when the incident occurred, prompting rescue workers to rush to the scene to begin searching through the rubble.
In an update on the incident today (April 9), Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center, said at least 113 people, including Dotel, Blanco and performer Pérez, had died after the building collapsed.
At least 113 people died in the collapse (FRANCESCO SPOTORNO/AFP via Getty Images) At least 113 people died in the collapse (FRANCESCO SPOTORNO/AFP via Getty Images)
At least 113 people died in the collapse (FRANCESCO SPOTORNO/AFP via Getty Images)
Dotel had been alive when he was rescued from the rubble, but sadly died on the way to the hospital.
The Dominican Ministry of Sports mourned the two players after the news, CNN reports, saying: “We share their grief with their family, friends and colleagues and we offer our prayers for their eternal rest.”
Another of the club’s patrons who lost their lives was identified as Nelsy Cruz, governor of the Monte Cristi province. According to a statement released by MLB star Nelson Cruz, Nelsy was related to the athlete.
Of those who lost their lives, 33 have yet to be identified.
Another 155 people were hospitalized as a result of the incident.
Méndez assured that rescue workers are still clearing debris and searching for survivors, adding that the son of Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella is among those still missing.
The entire roof of the nightclub collapsed in the incident (FRANCESCO SPOTORNO/AFP via Getty Images) The entire roof of the nightclub collapsed in the incident (FRANCESCO SPOTORNO/AFP via Getty Images)
The entire roof of the nightclub collapsed in the incident (FRANCESCO SPOTORNO/AFP via Getty Images)
“We will search tirelessly for people,” he said.
Authorities are not yet clear why the building’s roof collapsed, but images taken from above show a large hole in the building’s ceiling.
At least 22 different public institutions have joined forces to help respond to the incident.
Meanwhile, Dominican President Luis Abinade has declared three days of mourning.
In a statement shared on Twitter, Abinade said: “We are deeply saddened by 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.”
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