Reports: Ex-MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel survives deadly roof collapse in DR

Former major league pitcher Octavio Dotel reportedly was pulled alive Tuesday from the wreckage of a roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic that killed at least 27 people and injured more than 130.

Multiple media outlets reported Tuesday that Dotel was one of at least eight people to survive when the roof at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo gave in. A crowd had gathered to watch a performance by singer Rubby Perez.

MLB reporter Mike Rodriguez, from the Dominican Republic, said Dotel "has some injuries, but his condition is stable and he is expected to recover soon."

The cause of the roof collapse was not immediately known.

Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Center for Emergency Operation in the Dominican Republic, said the search for survivors trapped in the rubble was ongoing and confirmed the number of fatalities so far.

"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," Mendez said

Among the dead was the sister of Nelson Cruz -- Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martinez, the governor the Montecristi province in the country. Nelson Cruz confirmed the report on Tuesday following a statement from President Luis Abinader.

"We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub," Abinader said. "All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families."

Nelson Cruz played for eight MLB teams from 2005-2023 and was a seven-time All-Star with 464 career home runs in 19 seasons.

Dotel, 51, is a Santo Domingo native who pitched with 13 teams in a career that spanned from 1999-2013. He had a career record of 59-50, an ERA of 3.78 and 109 saves in 758 games (34 starts).

He won the 2011 World Series as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals.

--Field Level Media