Nightclub owner breaks silence after roof collapsed leaving over 200 people dead including former MLB players

The nightclub owner whose building collapsed killing more than 200 guests has spoken out.

On Tuesday morning (April 8), the roof of Jet Set nightclub in southern Santo Domingo collapsed approximately an hour after a concert began.

At the time, singer Rubby Pérez was performing and videos quickly began circulating of the roof falling before the entire structure caved in on itself.

Owner of the club Antonio Espaillat has now broken his silence in a statement issued on Instagram: "There are no words to express the pain this event has caused. What happened has been devastating for everyone. We want you to know that we are with you and that we share your anguish."

He continued: "From the very beginning, we have been collaborating fully and transparently with the authorities. We remain in constant communication with the Emergency Operations Center (COE), while search and rescue efforts continue with emergency teams, volunteers, and staff from more than 22 institutions."

At least 218 people are believed to have died in the tragedy, with the death toll having increased each day as rescue teams continue to work on the site.

“Today we will complete the rescue effort,” said Jose Luis Frometa Herasme, head of the fire service.

Over 300 rescue workers spent two days searching under bricks and steel bars to find survivors and bodies. They were supported by firefighters from Puerto Rico and Israel in their efforts.

It is believed that between 500-1000 people were enjoying the concert in the venue while famed merengue singer Pérez was performing.

Unfortunately, while Pérez’s daughter was able to escape the rubble, her father was killed by the collapse, along with former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera.

A spokesman for the country’s Professional Baseball League, Satosky Terrero, confirmed the deaths of the players.

In a statement, MLB pitcher Dotel's agent, Dan Horwits, said: "His energy, positivity and zest for life were infectious to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. We pass along our thoughts and prayers to his entire family as well as everyone affected by the tragedy."

Governor of the north-western province of Montecristi and sister of MLB Nelson Cruz, reportedly called President Luis Abinader from underneath the rubble to tell him of what had happened at the venue, but later passed away in hospital.

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