Tragic Collapse at Dominican Nightclub Claims Dozens of Lives, Including Former MLB Pitcher Octavio Dotel

In a shocking turn of events, the roof of a renowned nightclub in the Dominican Republic caved in early Tuesday morning, claiming the lives of many, as confirmed by the Dominican National Police. Among the 58 fatalities was former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, alongside Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern Monte Cristi province and sister to MLB star Nelson Cruz. At least 160 others sustained injuries in the disaster, according to the Dominican civil defense.

The devastating incident unfolded around 1 a.m. during a merengue concert at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the capital. The event attracted numerous athletes and political figures. Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause behind the catastrophic collapse.

The Dominican Republic’s Professional Baseball League mourned Dotel’s passing on social media. Known for his significant contributions to MLB, including 36 saves for the Houston Astros and the Athletics in 2004, Dotel was extracted from the wreckage six hours post-collapse but sadly succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital. “Dotel was taken to one of the designated hospitals. On the way there, his condition worsened and he died,” reported Diego Pesqueira, spokesperson for the Dominican National Police.

Dotel, who was 51, began his illustrious major league career in 1999 with the New York Mets. He was instrumental in the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2011 World Series victory. Over his 15-year tenure in MLB, Dotel accumulated 109 saves with an ERA of 3.78.

The Houston Astros expressed their sorrow over the loss of their former pitcher, acknowledging his remarkable five-season stint (2000-04) amidst his distinguished career spanning over a decade and a half.

Nelsy Cruz had contacted President Luis Abinader at 12:49 a.m., reporting that she was trapped due to the collapse, as first lady Raquel Arbaje shared with reporters. Sadly, Cruz also died in the hospital following the incident.

Clearly moved, Arbaje described the event as “too great a tragedy.” President Abinader, present at the scene, announced via social media platform X that rescue operations were ongoing, as various agencies collaborated tirelessly to assist those impacted.

Even after nearly 12 hours, rescue teams continued to extract survivors from the club’s ruins. Amid the harrowing scene, firefighters were clearing debris with the sound of drills piercing through the dusty air, hopeful of finding more survivors. “We have faith in God that we will rescue even more people alive,” stated President Abinader confidently.