Death toll climbs to 98 in Dominican nightclub collapse, former MLB star among victims

The death toll from the catastrophic roof collapse at a nightclub in Santo Domingo has risen to 98, with more than 160 people injured, according to Dominican authorities.

Among the victims are Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, and Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of baseball star Nelson Cruz.

The collapse occurred during a crowded concert on Monday evening at the Jet Set nightclub, a well-known venue in the Dominican capital. The event was attended by numerous public figures, athletes, and members of the business community.

Dotel, 51, was pulled from the debris but later died at a nearby hospital. Known for his time with the Mets, Astros, Yankees, and several other MLB teams, he was a widely respected figure in the sport.

President Luis Abinader has declared a national day of mourning, calling the incident a "deep national tragedy." Rescue teams continue to search the site for survivors, as officials investigate the cause of the collapse.

Copied