Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said at least 138 people have been rescued from the rubble as of late Tuesday morning.
Among those initially rescued was former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel, local media reported. He was transported to a hospital, but did not survive, officials said.
At least 44 people, including a provincial governor and former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, died when the roof of Santo Domingo’s Jet Set nightclub collapsed during a merengue performance early Tuesday. Over 150 were injured, with 138 rescued from rubble, officials said.
Dominican President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning, ordering flags at half-mast. Emergency chief Juan Manuel Méndez vowed, “We will not stop until we find the last person.”
Dotel, a 15-season MLB veteran, succumbed to injuries despite initial rescue. Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz called him “an indelible mark on national baseball.” The club owners pledged full cooperation with investigations as search efforts continued.
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