The roof of a busy nightclub in the Dominican Republic collapsed early Tuesday morning. The disaster has claimed over 100 lives, including former MLB pitcher Octavia Dotel and singer Rubby Perez.
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According to a report by the BBC, the incident occurred at the Jet Set nightclub during a concert by Rubby Pérez, a merengue singer who released thirteen albums throughout his career. He reportedly died when the roof caved in. Hundreds of people were inside the venue. The BBC reports 113 deaths and at least 150 injured, and Emergency Services fear that the death toll will continue to rise.
Several high-profile figures were at the Jet Set nightclub on Monday night. Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province, was also reportedly among the victims. Per the New York Post, Octavia Dotel, 51, a professional Dominican pitcher, was dragged from the rubble alive, but his family has since confirmed his death. He played for the Yankees in 2006 and started his professional career with the Mets in 1999. Authorities have confirmed that another MLB player, Tony Blanco, 45, also died in the disaster. He briefly played for the Washington Nationals in 2005.
Emergency Services Are Looking For Survivors In The Nightclub Rubble
According to The Guardian, almost 400 rescue personnel are combing the collapsed structure for survivors. The outlet explains that the venue had a capacity of 1700 people. Authorities believe 500-1000 were inside at the time. Witnesses say there was a blackout inside when Rubby Pérez on stage shortly before the collapse. His daughter managed to escape.
Emergency Operations Center Director Juan Manuel Méndez reportedly said, "As long as there is hope for life, all authorities will be working to recover or rescue these people." Unfortunately, he later reported that Emergency Services had not found any more survivors since 3 PM. The cause of the roof collapse is currently unknown.
Per the Independent, Antonio Espaillat, the nightclub owner, was not in the country at the time but returned on Tuesday. He reportedly said, "There are no words to express the pain this event has caused. "What happened has been devastating for everyone."
