SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited the Dominican Republic on Monday to express his condolences for the tragic loss of life following the roof collapse of a popular nightclub in Santo Domingo. This incident occurred on April 7, when the roof of the Jet Set club collapsed during a concert, claiming the lives of many individuals, with the death toll now confirmed to be 231 as of Monday per the country's Interior Minister, Faride Raful.
Mayor Adams' visit comes amidst a period of mourning for the approximately 700,000 Dominicans residing in New York City, a community that constitutes around 8% of the city's population. The mayor began his official visit by meeting with local authorities and police before proceeding to the scene of the disaster, where he was welcomed by various officials, including Victor D'Aza, the president of the Dominican Municipal League responsible for overseeing mayoral offices.
D’Aza emphasized the need for more effective supervision and adherence to construction regulations, calling the incident a "wake-up call" for authorities. The nightclub collapse has raised concerns over safety standards and compliance with regulations in construction, highlighting the necessity of rigorous oversight in such venues.
Rescue teams successfully extricated 189 individuals from the rubble, and currently, 12 victims remain hospitalized, with three of them reported to be in critical condition. Investigations are ongoing to determine the underlying cause of the roof's collapse, as authorities continue to assess the safety protocols in place at the Jet Set club.
During his visit, Adams expressed his sorrow and offered assistance to ensure that similar tragedies do not recur in the Dominican Republic. "I had to come here to a country that has given us your children, to make America what it is," he stated, reflecting on the cultural ties and contributions of the Dominican community to the United States. He described his heart as "shattered" by the news of the disaster.
In addition to paying respects to the victims, Mayor Adams has plans to attend a Mass in the evening, further demonstrating his support for the grieving families and community. His visit comes at a pivotal time as he prepares to run for reelection as an independent candidate, following a bribery scandal and discontent among supporters regarding his ties with Republican President Donald Trump.
This visit underscores the interconnectedness of communities and the importance of leadership during times of crisis. The implications of such tragic events extend beyond local borders, prompting international dialogue about safety standards and the responsibility of public officials to ensure community welfare.
