Pedro Martinez, a celebrated figure in Major League Baseball, shared heartbreaking news on Tuesday night regarding the devastating collapse of a nightclub roof in the Dominican Republic.
The tragedy, which occurred at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, has resulted in over 120 fatalities and hundreds more injuries. Martinez revealed that he still has family members unaccounted for amidst the rubble.
“I still have family members that are still in the rubble, and we don’t know what happened to them, but we just want to be strong, like we have always been,”
he stated in a video posted on Instagram. He extended his deepest sympathies to all those grieving the loss of loved ones and anxiously searching for missing individuals.
In a subsequent post on X, Martinez expressed profound sadness and solidarity with the Dominican people.
“We are sad and affected by the tragedy. Our hearts are with you. We are a country that prays a lot and remains united all the time.”
The nightclub was hosting a weekly party Monday night into Tuesday morning when disaster struck during a merengue concert. Former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco were among those tragically killed in the collapse.
Adding to the devastation, Nelsy Cruz, sister of former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz and governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi, managed to contact President Luis Abinader while trapped but succumbed to her injuries later. Other notable victims included singer Rubby Perez, saxophonist Luis Solis, and fashion designer Martin Polanco.
The confirmed death toll currently stands at 124. Authorities are appealing for calm as families anxiously await news of their missing relatives.
Major League Baseball paid tribute to those lost in the tragedy during games on Tuesday night.
“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,”
said Commissioner Rob Manfred. He added:
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been affected and to our colleague Nelson and his entire family. 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 incident has deeply impacted the nation, highlighting the close ties between the sport of baseball and the Dominican community.
- Fatalities: Over 120
- Injured: Hundreds
- Victims Included: Former MLB players Octavio Dotel & Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz (governor), Rubby Perez (singer), Luis Solis (saxophonist), Martin Polanco (fashion designer)
