Ex-baseball stars among dozens killed after roof collapses at Dominican Republic nightclub

More than 110 people have died after the roof collapsed at a nightclub in the capital of the Dominican Republic, authorities have said.

Officials said on Wednesday that 113 people had been killed and at least 255 people were injured in the incident at the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo.

Crews were still searching for potential survivors in the rubble, said Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Centre Of Emergency Operations.

Dominican singer Rubby Perez, who was performing when the roof collapsed, is missing and feared dead – while two former professional baseball players died from their injuries.

Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northern Montecristi province, is said to have alerted Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader about the disaster – calling him while trapped beneath the rubble – but later died from her injuries at a hospital.

Mr Mendez said: “The number of deaths has risen to 113 this morning.

“We continue clearing debris and searching for people. We’re going to search tirelessly for people.”

Rescue workers were prioritising three areas in the club, he said, adding: “We’re hearing some sounds.”

The cause of the roof collapse is not yet clear.

Octavio Dotel, a former MLB pitcher who won a world championship with the St Louis Cardinals and played for 13 teams in a 15-year career, was among the victims.

Dotel, 51, died on the way to a local hospital after being pulled from the debris, a spokesman for the nation’s sports ministry said.

Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, 44, who previously played for the Washington Nationals and spent eight years as a professional player in Japan, was also killed.

In a statement, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said: “Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the passings of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz, and all the victims of last night’s tragedy in Santo Domingo.

“The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic runs deep, and we are thinking of all the Dominican players and fans across the game today.”

The venue was packed with musicians, professional athletes and government officials when dust started falling from the ceiling.

Rubby Perez’s manager, Enrique Paulino, told reporters at the scene that the concert began shortly before midnight.

The roof collapsed almost an hour later, killing the group’s saxophonist.

Mr Paulino added: “It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner.”

He said he initially thought there had been an earthquake.

President Abinader wrote on X: “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred.

“All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”

Mr Abinader arrived at the scene and hugged those looking for friends and family, some with tears streaming down their faces.

He did not speak to reporters.

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An official with a megaphone stood outside the club imploring the large crowd, which had gathered to search for friends and relatives, to give ambulances space.

“You have to cooperate with authorities… please,” he said.

“We are removing people.”

At one hospital where the injured were taken, an official stood outside reading aloud the names of survivors as a crowd gathered around her and shouted out the names of their loved ones.