Authorities report that at least 113 people have died following a roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic.

 

At least 113 people have been confirmed dead after the roof of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic collapsed early Tuesday morning. An additional 155 individuals have been hospitalized, according to officials speaking on Wednesday.

Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the country's Emergency Operations Center, announced during a press conference that the Dominican Navy and fire service have been actively involved in the rescue operations.

Among those who lost their lives in the tragic collapse were two former MLB players, Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, as well as Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the Montecristi province.

"His energy, positivity, and zest for life were infectious to all who had the pleasure of knowing him," Dotel’s agent, Dan Horwits, expressed in a statement on Tuesday. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and everyone affected by this tragedy."

Additionally, Méndez confirmed the death of Rubby Pérez, the renowned merengue singer who was performing at the nightclub during the disaster. His body was retrieved from the debris by rescuers.

The actual number of injuries is believed to be higher than 155, as some ambulances transported multiple victims at once.

A video posted by Dominican senator Aneudy Ortiz Sajiun on Instagram showed him and other officials praying at the site of the Jet Set Club.

The cause of the collapse is still under investigation. In 2023, the nightclub reported that a fire had broken out after a lightning strike hit a power plant.