“There are not enough words to express the pain”: Jet Set owner speaks out two days after tragedy

Santo Domingo.- Nearly two days after the tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, its owner, Antonio Espaillat, has finally spoken out about the tragedy that claimed the lives of 124 people. Through a video posted on the nightclub’s official X account, Espaillat expressed his deep sorrow, stating: “There are not enough words to express the pain this event generates. What happened has been devastating for everyone. We want you to know that we are with you and that we share your anguish.”

The businessman assured the public that the Jet Set family is actively collaborating with authorities to assist the injured. “We have been collaborating fully and transparently with the authorities, and we continue in constant cooperation with the Emergency Operations Center (COE) as search and rescue efforts continue,” he stated in the video.

Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the COE, confirmed the updated number of fatalities in a press conference on Wednesday. “Fatalities have increased to 124. The number of transfers (to hospitals) remains the same as we indicated yesterday at three in the afternoon (19H00 GMT), at 155,” Méndez told reporters. He also mentioned that forensic services (Inacif) would be providing information regarding the nationalities of the victims.

In a more extensive statement addressing the nation, Antonio Espaillat, representing the Jet Set family, conveyed his deepest condolences to the victims and their families. “Today, we want to address, above all, the families affected by the tragedy that occurred last night at Jet Set,” the statement read.

Espaillat emphasized the club’s immediate and ongoing cooperation with emergency responders. “We remain in constant communication with the Emergency Operations Center (COE), while search and rescue efforts continue with emergency teams, volunteers, and personnel from more than 22 institutions.”

The owner also highlighted the solidarity of the Jet Set family with those affected. “As the Jet Set family, we stand with you. To you, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children, and loved ones of those affected: you can count on us. Everything we do now, every decision, every step, has one purpose: to live up to your pain and support you.”

Espaillat expressed his gratitude for the presence of President Luis Abinader at the scene of the tragedy. “We sincerely thank the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader Corona. His presence at the scene was a clear gesture of solidarity.” He also acknowledged the tireless work of the emergency teams and the respectful handling of the situation by the media and the public. “We also appreciate the tireless work of the emergency teams, and the respect with which the media and the public are handling this very delicate situation. Today, more than ever, we are a family. Thank you.”

The scene outside the nightclub, hospitals, and the morgue was filled with distraught relatives awaiting news and identification of their loved ones. A list of victims’ names was posted on a tarpaulin near where bodies were being taken.

Over 300 rescue workers continue their search efforts to locate any more individuals who may be trapped under the rubble of bricks, zinc sheets, and steel bars. The cause of the roof collapse is currently under investigation.