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The Dominican Republic is in mourning after a tragedy that claimed the lives of over 124 people. In the early hours of April 8, the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed while merengue singer Rubby Pérez was performing.
Hours after the incident, the owner of the venue, businessman Antonio Espaillat, broke his silence through a video message, expressing his support for the families of the victims and stating that he is working closely with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
© AFP via Getty Images"We want to speak especially to the families affected by the tragedy that occurred last night at Jet Set," he begins in the video shared on the nightclub's official Instagram account. "There are no words to express the pain caused by this event—what happened has been devastating for all of us."
According to the same post, the businessman was out of the country at the time of the incident. As soon as he could, he returned to the Dominican Republic to "collaborate with authorities in the rescue and investigation efforts."
"We want you to know that we are with you, that we share your anguish. From the very beginning, we have been working fully and transparently with the authorities. We remain in constant communication with the Emergency Operations Center (COE) while search and rescue efforts continue with emergency teams, volunteers, and personnel from over 22 institutions."
© AFP via Getty Images"As the Jet Set family, we stand with you, mothers, fathers, siblings, children, and loved ones of those affected. Everything we are doing now, every decision, every step, has a single purpose: to honor your pain and support you through this."
"We want to sincerely thank the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader. His presence at the scene was a clear gesture of solidarity. We also thank the tireless work of the emergency teams and the respectful way the media and public have been handling such a delicate situation. Today, more than ever, we are one family. Thank you."
© AFP via Getty ImagesThree Days of National Mourning for 'Jet Set' Tragedy
The President of the country has declared three days of national mourning—April 8, 9, and 10—for the devastating incident that took the lives of more than 124 people and left 155 injured.
On April 9, the Emergency Operations Center (COE) director, Juan Manuel Méndez, updated the count of the deceased and injured. "The number of dead has increased to 124. The number of injured remains at 155, as we reported yesterday at 3:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. GMT)," he told the media.
© AFP via Getty ImagesHe added that the numbers could still change as there's more work ahead. "We still have between 24 and 36 hours of work left," he explained to SIN Noticias.
© AFP via Getty ImagesAround the site, dozens of people have gathered, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones, who may still be trapped beneath the nightclub's rubble.
