The owner of a popular Dominican nightclub broke his silence Thursday as the death toll from a catastrophic roof collapse rose to 218, marking one of the deadliest nightclub disasters in recent history.
Antonio Espaillat, owner of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, issued an emotional statement on Instagram, expressing grief over the tragedy that unfolded Tuesday night as merengue star Rubby Pérez performed before a packed crowd.
“There are no words to express the pain this event has caused,” Espaillat said in a translated statement. “What happened has been devastating for everyone. We want you to know that we are with you and that we share your anguish.”
The collapse occurred just after midnight, when the ceiling caved in without warning, trapping hundreds of revelers beneath concrete and twisted metal. Survivors described scenes of chaos and terror as screams filled the air and emergency crews rushed to pull people from the wreckage.
Espaillat, who said he was abroad at the time, vowed full cooperation with authorities.
“From the very beginning, we have been collaborating fully and transparently,” he said
Then adding that rescue teams—including volunteers and personnel from 22 different institutions—had worked tirelessly in search efforts.
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No More Survivors Expected as Recovery Efforts Continue
By Thursday, officials confirmed that the search for survivors had ended, shifting focus to body recovery. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), called the death toll “preliminary,” warning that it could rise further as crews sifted through debris.
“We will be here until we have recovered everyone, dead or alive,” Méndez said at a press conference.
At least 155 injured survivors remain hospitalized, eight in critical condition, officials said. Among the dead were several high-profile figures, including:
- Rubby Pérez, the famed merengue singer performing at the time.
- Octavio Dotel, former MLB pitcher and 2011 World Series champion with the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Tony Blanco, ex-Washington Nationals player and father of a current Pittsburgh Pirates prospect.
- Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi and sister of MLB slugger Nelson Cruz.
A U.S. citizen and legal permanent residents were also among the victims, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though their identities were not immediately released.
See also: “They Went Out to Dance and Never Came Home”: 124 Dead in Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse
Nation in Mourning as Questions Loom Over Safety
President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning, calling the disaster “a tragedy for the entire country.” Meanwhile, investigators are probing whether structural failures, overcrowding, or building code violations contributed to the collapse.
Former Boston Red Sox star Pedro Martinez, who said he had missing relatives in the club, pleaded for prayers.
“I hope we can all unite… that our families can be found,” he posted on Instagram.
As grieving families await answers, Espaillat’s words offered little solace.
“Today, more than ever, we are a family,” he said.
But for many, the nightmare is far from over.
