Death Toll Rises To 124 In Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse
The death toll from a roof collapse at the popular Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, rose to 124 on Wednesday, with another 155 people injured, the national police confirmed.
The incident occurred early Tuesday at 12:34 a.m. during a live performance by iconic Dominican merengue singer Rubby Pérez, killing the singer and his saxophonist, according to ABC News.
According to authorities, the roof collapsed within seconds, trapping hundreds inside.
Rescue efforts continued through Wednesday morning as emergency crews used heavy machinery to clear the debris.
President Luis Abinader expressed his condolences in a statement on social media, saying, “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub.”
“All relief agencies are working tirelessly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families,” he added.
A tribute was posted to Pérez, 69, a beloved figure in the Dominican music scene, via his official Instagram account, remembering him as a legend whose music “will live forever in our hearts”.
Former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Octavio Dotel, 51, also died in the collapse. Rescue teams pulled him from the rubble, but he died on the way to the hospital.
Dotel, who played for 13 MLB teams, was honoured with a moment of silence before the New York Mets’ game on Tuesday.
“We mourn the passing of Octavio Dotel,” the Mets shared on social media.
Another former MLB player, Tony Blanco, 44, also died in the collapse. Blanco played for the Washington Nationals and spent part of his career playing in Japan and his native Dominican Republic.
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation paid tribute to him, saying his legacy “will live on in the history of national baseball”.
Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martinez, governor of Montecristi and the sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz, was also among the deceased.
Her family issued a heartfelt statement, saying her “legacy of service and love for others will live forever in our hearts.”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred extended condolences on behalf of the league.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz, and all the victims of this heartbreaking tragedy. Baseball shares a deep bond with the Dominican Republic, and our hearts go out to the entire nation,” he said
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that at least one American citizen was killed in the collapse, along with several U.S. permanent residents.
“The U.S. stands ready to support our Dominican allies amid this difficult time,” Rubio said.
Many family members of those inside the club gathered at the scene, desperate for news. DJ Shakirax, who had been performing that night, shared harrowing videos from the aftermath.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse. However, officials noted that the club had suffered fire damage in 2023, though it’s unclear if that played a role in Tuesday’s disaster.
Death Toll Rises To 124 In Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
