At least 124 people were killed and 155 injured when the roof of a nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic collapsed during a concert on Tuesday. The incident occurred at 12:34 a.m., during a performance by singer Rubby Pérez.
Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, 51, was among those who died, along with fashion designer Martin Polanco and Montecristi Gov. Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martinez. A total of five people have been confirmed dead so far, but the death toll continues to rise as rescue efforts are ongoing.
The cause of the collapse is still under investigation. However, authorities revealed that there was a fire in 2023 that damaged part of the nightclub. The search and rescue operation has been supported by specialized technical teams and heavy machinery for debris removal.
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader expressed his condolences to the affected families, stating that relief agencies are working tirelessly to assist those in need. Major League Baseball Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr. also condemned the tragedy, saying that “the connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic runs deep” and that the league is thinking of all Dominican players and fans.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the country, with many families gathered at the scene looking for their loved ones who were inside the club. The U.S. government has also offered support to its allies in the Dominican Republic amid this difficult time. An investigation into the cause of the collapse is underway.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/dominican-republic-nightclub-roof-collapse-jet-set/story?id=120608001