Roof Collapse at Dominican Republic Nightclub Kills Dozens, Including MLB Figures
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Rescuers are combing through the wreckage of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic after its roof collapsed during a concert, leaving at least 98 dead. The tragedy occurred during a performance by Dominican merengue singer Rubby Perez, who was also among the deceased.
Prominent figures Among the Victims
The collapse claimed the lives of politicians, athletes, and other notable individuals. Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of former MLB player Nelson Cruz, was among those killed. Former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco also perished in the disaster.
Octavio Dotel: A Career Remembered
Dotel, 51, was a veteran pitcher who played for numerous MLB teams from 1999 to 2013, beginning his career with the New York Mets. He died en route to a local hospital after being extracted from the debris.
Mets honour dotel
The New York Mets held a moment of silence for Dotel. A photo was projected onto the scoreboard at Citi Field alongside the Dominican flag to recognize Dotel’s passing.
Scene of Chaos and Desperation
Reports indicate that the club held between 500 and 1,000 people when the roof caved in, exceeding the venue’s seated capacity of 700.Dozens of ambulances transported the injured to hospitals as crowds gathered outside, desperately seeking information about loved ones.
Eyewitness Account
Iris pena, an attendee, described a harrowing escape, explaining that dirt and debris began falling before a stone struck and broke the table where she and her son were seated.
Government Response
President Luis Abinader visited the site and declared three days of national mourning.
Examination Underway
The jet Set club, in operation for over 50 years, stated that it is cooperating fully with authorities. Aerial images show a significant hole in the roof, with cranes assisting in the removal of debris as rescue workers search for survivors.
Dominican Republic Tourism
The Dominican Republic’s tourism sector, a crucial component of the national economy, attracts millions of visitors annually with its beaches, music, nightlife, and historical architecture.
Roof Collapse at Dominican Republic Nightclub Kills Dozens, Including MLB Figures: Q&A
What happened at the nightclub in the Dominican Republic?
A significant portion of the roof at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a concert by merengue singer Rubby Perez, leading to the deaths of at least 98 people.
Who were some of the prominent victims?
The tragedy claimed the lives of various notable individuals, including nelsy Cruz (governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of former MLB player Nelson Cruz), former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, and the performer Rubby Perez.
Who was Octavio Dotel?
octavio Dotel was a veteran MLB pitcher who played for numerous teams, including the New York Mets, from 1999 to 2013. He tragically passed away while being transported to a hospital after the collapse.
trivia: Dotel was known for his remarkable fastball and his long career in the Major Leagues.
How did the New York Mets honor Octavio Dotel?
The new York Mets held a moment of silence for Dotel and displayed a photo of him alongside the dominican flag on the scoreboard at Citi Field.
How many people were at the nightclub?
Reports suggest that between 500 and 1,000 people were present at the club when the roof collapsed, which exceeded the venue’s seated capacity of 700.
What is the government’s response?
President Luis Abinader visited the site and declared three days of national mourning.
What is the status of the inquiry?
Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse, and the Jet Set club is cooperating with the investigation. Rescue workers continue to search for survivors amidst the debris.
How might this event impact Dominican Republic tourism?
Given the Dominican Republic’s reliance on tourism, future impacts will be based on the investigation’s findings. This sector attracts millions of visitors annually.
This tragic event underscores the importance of safety and structural integrity. For those traveling to the Dominican Republic, its vital to stay informed and follow local safety guidelines.
