Roof collapse at Dominican Republic nightclub kills 66 including ex-baseball player

At least 66 people have died and over 150 are injured. This happened after a roof collapsed at a nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Among the victims was Octavio Dotel, a provincial governor and former MLB pitcher. Dotel, 51, died while being taken to the hospital.

The incident occurred early Tuesday during a concert by merengue singer Rubby Pérez. He was also reported trapped under the rubble.

Hundreds were inside the nightclub when the collapse happened. About 400 rescuers are still searching for survivors. There are concerns that the death toll may rise.

Relatives gathered to pray for their loved ones trapped in the debris. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Centre (COE), remains hopeful many are still alive.

Jet Set is a popular nightclub known for hosting dance music concerts on Mondays. Many politicians and athletes were present during the event.

Nelsy Cruz, governor of Monte Cristi province, was also among those killed. She was the sister of former MLB player Nelson Cruz.

Dotel began his MLB career with the New York Mets in 1999. He played for several teams until retiring in 2013.

Video footage from inside the club shows people enjoying themselves before the collapse. Some were dancing while Rubby Pérez performed on stage.

In another recording shared online, a man near the stage mentions something falling from above. He points towards the ceiling as he speaks.

Less than 30 seconds later, a loud noise is heard and then silence follows. A woman can be heard shouting for her father in panic.

A band member said that the club was full when it collapsed around 1 AM. "I thought it was an earthquake," he recalled.

Rubby Pérez's daughter confirmed her father was trapped under debris as well. President Abinader has offered condolences to all affected families.