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At least 113 people have died after the roof of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic collapsed on Tuesday (April 8).
According to NBC News, the deadly collapse occurred Tuesday morning at the Jet Set nightclub. It's unclear what caused the collapse.
Rescue efforts by the Dominican navy and fire service continued on Wednesday (April 9).
Among the fatalities were former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera and Governor of the Montecristi province Nelsy Cruz.
"His energy, positivity, and zest for life were infectious to all who had the pleasure of knowing him," Dotel’s agent, Dan Horwits, said in a statement. "We pass along our thoughts and prayers to his entire family as well as everyone affected by the tragedy."
Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Dominican Republic's Emergency Operations Center, also confirmed that Rubby Pérez, a meregue singer who was performing at the club during the tragedy, also died.
155 people have been transferred to local hospitals, but the injury count could be much higher. Some ambulances reportedly took as many as people at a time.
Wilson Casado said he's still waiting for updates about his nephew, cousin, and his nephew's wife, who had posted videos from inside the club before the collapse.
"We don’t have any news," Casado 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," he added.
Jet Set nightclub released a statement in the wake of the fatal incident.
"There are no words to express the pain this event has caused," the nightclub said. "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."
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