Search and rescue operations continued through the night with the use of drones and heavy machinery to locate survivors trapped under the rubble. The building, formerly a cinema more than 50 years old, had previously suffered fire damage, according to engineering officials.
Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were inside the venue at the time of the collapse, and rescue teams are still recovering bodies. Among the deceased are Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, both former Major League Baseball players from the Dominican Republic.
Nelsy M. Cruz Martinez, the governor of Monte Cristi province, was also present during the incident and was reported injured. Several members of the Dominican Congress are believed to have been inside the club when the roof gave way, and multiple lawmakers visited the scene.
The son of the Dominican Republic’s public works minister and his wife remain missing, as confirmed by local authorities. The president of the Dominican Association of Engineers, Architects and Surveyors cited ageing infrastructure and past fire damage as possible contributing factors to the structural failure.
Club owner Antonio Espaillat expressed deep sorrow in a video message, calling the event devastating and beyond words. While the government is currently focused on rescue efforts, a full investigation into the cause of the collapse will follow.
