At least 113 people died after the roof of a crowded nightclub in the Dominican Republic collapsed this week, with rescue teams still searching through debris for survivors, authorities said Wednesday.
The victims include a provincial governor, a well-known singer performing at the venue, and several former MLB players, according to police. Another 155 people were injured and hospitalized.
The tragedy occurred Tuesday at Santo Domingo's Jet Set nightclub during a performance by famed merengue artist Rubby Pérez, who was among the victims recovered Wednesday morning. Investigators have not yet determined what caused the roof to collapse.
The collapse happened Tuesday at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Pérez, whose body was found Wednesday morning. The cause of the roof collapse wasn't immediately clear as authorities investigated.
**"Jet Set Nightclub Collapse: What Happened?"**
The roof of Jet Set nightclub caved in early Tuesday during a performance by merengue star Rubby Pérez. According to his manager Enrique Paulino, the show began just before midnight, and the collapse occurred about an hour later. Disturbing social media footage captures Pérez on stage moments before the disaster.
**Grieving Families Seek Answers as Death Toll Reaches 113**
"I still have family members trapped in the rubble, and we don't know their fate," former MLB star Pedro Martínez said in an emotional social media video Tuesday evening. The 17-season veteran was among countless families awaiting news as rescue efforts continued.
By Wednesday morning, authorities confirmed at least 113 deaths while still working to identify all victims. The tragedy claimed prominent figures including a provincial governor, merengue star Rubby Pérez, and several former professional baseball players.
1. Stronger emotional hook with Martínez's quote
2. Added context about notable victims
3. More fluid transition between paragraphs
4. "Trapped in the rubble" creates more urgency than "still in the rubble")*
**Tragedy Claims Music Star and Baseball Legends**
The death toll included merengue icon Rubby Pérez and a saxophonist from his band, Emergency Operations Director Juan Manuel Méndez confirmed Wednesday. The tragedy also struck hard at the baseball community - Pérez's brother is a former MLB player, and the nightclub was known as a popular gathering spot for athletes, according to sports agent Paul Kinzer.
Among the victims were former MLB players Octavio Dotel, 51, and Tony Blanco, 43. Dotel, who once pitched for the New York Mets, was extracted from the wreckage but succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.
**MLB, Nation Mourn Dominican Tragedy Victims**
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed condolences, stating: "Baseball's deep ties to the Dominican Republic make this tragedy particularly painful. Our thoughts are with all Dominican players and fans grieving today."
The collapse claimed prominent figures including:
- Monte Cristi Governor Nelsy Cruz, sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz
- Rubby Pérez, celebrated merengue artist
- Former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco
In a heartbreaking detail, President Abinader revealed Governor Cruz called him at 12:49 a.m. while trapped, later succumbing to injuries. The victims also included Eduardo Guarionex Estrella, son of the Public Works Minister.