The death toll from the roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic has risen to 124, with notable figures, including a renowned singer and two former Major League Baseball players, confirmed dead.
Rubby Pérez, a famous Dominican merengue singer, was performing at the Jet Set nightclub when the roof caved in shortly after midnight on Tuesday, April 8. Pérez, 69, was on stage when the disaster struck. His manager confirmed his death, adding that the singer’s team is now awaiting agreement from his children on funeral arrangements.
Retired MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, 51, who won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, was also among the victims. Dotel was initially rescued alive but succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
Another former baseball player, Tony Blanco, 43, was killed while trying to save his friend, Esteban Germán, from falling debris. Blanco’s heroic actions cost him his life, though Germán, 47, miraculously survived.
The nightclub was packed with between 500 and 1,000 people when the roof collapsed around 12:44 a.m. Tuesday. The club has a seating capacity of 700 and can hold up to 1,000 standing guests.
Rescuers worked through the night, but after more than 24 hours, the search shifted from rescue to recovery efforts as hope of finding survivors dwindled.
Eyewitnesses reported that Pérez was on stage when the lights went out, and the roof suddenly collapsed. His daughter, Zulinka, managed to escape the disaster but confirmed that her father did not.
Also among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi municipality, as confirmed by President Luis Abinader, who visited the scene and declared three days of national mourning.
The initial death toll began at 15 but climbed steadily throughout the day. By Wednesday morning, it had reached 98. Rescue efforts continued, and by the afternoon, the death toll had increased to 124, with the possibility of further increases.
Dotel’s brother, Angel, told El Nuevo Diario that Octavio died before he could be pulled from under the debris. First responders reportedly heard Dotel calling for help before his passing, according to Supercanal.
