Death toll rises to 58 after roof collapses at Dominican Republic nightclub

At least 58 people were killed on Tuesday, and over 160 people were injured, after a roof collapsed at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic.

The director of the Center of Emergency Operations, Juan Manuel Méndez, said rescuers are still looking for people under rubble at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, according to The Associated Press.

“We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble," Méndez said. 

Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi and sister of seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz, and World Series champion Octavio Dotel are among those reported dead. Dotel was alive when he was rescued, but later succumbed to his injuries, according to the New York Post. 

Dotel, a pitcher, played for 13 baseball teams during his 15-year major league career, including on the St. Louis Cardinals when they defeated the Texas Rangers in game seven of the 2011 World Series. 

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said his prayers are with those affected by the tragedy.

"We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub," he wrote on the social media platform X. "We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred. All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families."

It was not immediately clear what caused the roof to cave in.