Everything we know so far after nightclub roof collapse leaves over 100 people dead including former MLB players
The roof of a Dominican Republic nightclub collapsed, resulting in over 100 people losing their lives with the search for survivors continuing.
Yesterday morning (April 8), the roof of Jet Set nightclub in southern Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed.
The roof caved in around an hour after the concert began - singer Rubby Pérez the star of the show.
Videos have emerged online of parts of the roof falling and concert-goers beginning to move away but moments later, the entire structure collapses in.
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At the time of writing, at least 124 people have been killed and over 255 people are reported as having been injured, PA reports.
And some of those who've passed away have since been named by officials, family and local media.
Who the victims are
Spokesman for the country’s Professional Baseball League, Satosky Terrero confirmed two of those killed were Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera.
Governor of the north-western province of Montecristi and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, Nelsy Cruz, reportedly called President Luis Abinader from underneath the rubble to alert him to the disaster but later passed away in hospital.
Pérez - who was performing at the club when the roof collapsed - was found dead, according to director of the Center of Emergency Operations, Juan Manuel Méndez.
Luis Solis - a saxophonist - was also playing onstage and is reported as having passed away, alongside several Venezuelan bartenders and an army captain.
Financial services company Grupo Popular has reported three of its employees passed away, including AFP Popular Bank president and his wife.
Local media has reported a cardiologist, a government architect, a retired police officer and the brother of the vice minister of the Ministry of Youth are also victims of the roof collapse.
Only 54 people are reported as having been identified, with countless others unnamed.
What officials have said
Secretary Marco Rubio said in a post to Twitter shared earlier today (April 9): "Jeanette and I are united in prayer as the people of the Dominican Republic grieve the recent tragedy that took place in Jet Set night club in Santo Domingo, which also resulted in the unfortunate death of at least one U.S. citizen and U.S. Legal Permanent Residents, while rescue efforts remain ongoing.
"Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating event. The U.S. stands ready to support our Dominican allies amid this difficult time."
Emergency operations director Juan Manuel Mendez assured: "We’re going to search tirelessly for people."
The country's former public health minister, Senator Daniel Rivera, said: "There’s a lot of pain. We need to have a lot of patience."
Dominican President Luis Abinader has also declared three days of mourning.
In a statement shared on Twitter, he said: "We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. All rescue agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families."
What loved ones have said
In a statement shared yesterday, 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."
Kimberly Jones is still awaiting news of her niece, godson, 45-year-old artist Osiris Blanc, and his friends who reportedly remain missing.
She told PA: "It was their favorite place, they went there almost every Monday."
Wilson Casado told NBC News he's awaiting news about his nephew, nephew's wife and his cousin too.
He said: "We don’t know anything yet. We don’t know anything about where they could be yet. We just hope they’re at a hospital, to be able to see them again."
Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez took to Instagram, explaining some of his family were in the club when the roof collapsed and he's trying to 'be strong' while awaiting any updates.
He added: "We’re all sad. We’re all affected by the tragedy."
What the club said
Jet Set club said in a statement: [Translated] "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.
"As the Jet Set family, we are with you. To you, mothers, fathers, siblings, children, and loved ones of those affected: you can count on us."
Investigation
Rescue crews have been focusing on finding survivors in the wreckage in the 24 hours since the roof collapsed, however, an in-depth investigation into how the tragedy occurred in the first place is expected.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
Topics: Sport, US News, World News
Poppy Bilderbeck