The sporting world is mourning a tragic incident in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. A roof collapse at the popular Jet Set nightclub claimed the lives of at least 124 people and injured more than 150 others.
Among the deceased are several high-profile figures, including former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, and the renowned merengue singer Rubby Pรฉrez. The catastrophe occurred during a concert attended by hundreds of guests, leaving a trail of devastation and unanswered questions about the structural integrity of the venue.
Rescue operations continue as emergency workers search for survivors amidst the rubble.
Tragic Night at Jet Set Nightclub
The disaster struck just before 01:00 local time (05:00 GMT) on Tuesday at the Jet Set club, a venue known for its vibrant music scene and celebrity guests.
Hundreds of people were inside the club when the roof suddenly gave way, leading to a chaotic scene of destruction and panic.
Emergency Operations Head Juan Manuel Mรฉndez has indicated that rescue teams have โ24 to 36 hours leftโ to find any remaining survivors.
High-Profile Casualties
The collapse has claimed the lives of several notable individuals. Rubby Pรฉrez, a beloved merengue singer, was performing on stage when the incident occurred. His daughter, Zulinka, who was also on stage, survived thanks to her husbandโs quick thinking.
Tragically, Pรฉrez himself was found alive but later succumbed to his injuries before he could be rescued.
Among the other victims were former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. Dotel was rescued alive but died en route to the hospital, while Blancoโs death has left a significant void in the sports community.
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The incident also claimed the life of Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province, who managed to call President Luis Abinader for help before succumbing to her injuries in the hospital.
Immediate Response and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The response to the disaster has been swift and coordinated. Emergency workers have demolished one of the walls of the club to better access those still trapped under the debris.
The scene has been a focal point for desperate relatives holding vigils, hoping for news of their missing loved ones.
The international community, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has expressed solidarity and offered support to the Dominican Republic during this challenging time.
Survivorsโ Stories
Survivors of the collapse have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences. Zulinka Pรฉrez described how her husband shielded her with his body, allowing her to crawl out from the rubble.
She later discovered that her father had survived the initial collapse and had been singing to guide rescuers to his location. Unfortunately, he passed away before he could be freed.
Another survivor, Nelsy Cruz, managed to raise the alarm by calling the president directly.
Her quick actions undoubtedly saved lives, even though she tragically did not survive her injuries.
These stories of bravery and tragedy highlight the human impact of the disaster and the resilience of those affected.
Uncertain Causes and Future Implications
The cause of the roof collapse at Jet Set remains unclear. The club, which was previously a cinema, had been repurposed into a music venue that hosted regular dance concerts.
The incident has raised questions about the structural integrity of the building and the safety measures in place for such events. Investigations are ongoing to determine the factors that led to this catastrophic failure.
National Mourning and Global Impact
President Luis Abinader has declared three days of national mourning in response to the tragedy.
The loss of life has had a profound impact not only on the Dominican Republic but also on the global community, particularly within the sports and entertainment industries.
The deaths of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, and Rubby Pรฉrez have left a lasting mark on their respective fields, and their contributions will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
The incident has also highlighted the need for stricter safety regulations and more rigorous inspections of public venues.
As the investigation continues, it is hoped that lessons will be learned to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Conclusion
The roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo has been a devastating event. It claimed the lives of many and left a community in mourning. The loss of high-profile figures such as Rubby Pรฉrez, Octavio Dotel, and Tony Blanco has brought international attention to the tragedy.
As rescue efforts continue and investigations proceed, the focus remains on supporting the victimsโ families and ensuring that such a disaster does not happen again.
For more detailed information on this tragic event, you can read the full article on the BBC News website.
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