Union offers prayers for affected families in DR as PR firefighters, ICF personnel provide assistance

Death toll mounts in roof collapse at Santo Domingo nightclub

A group of Puerto Rican rescuers and firefighters was sent to support rescue efforts following a roof collapse at a Santo Domingo nightclub that claimed the lives of at least 124 people. (Facebook via Cuerpo de Bomberos de PR)

By The Star Staff

The United Firefighters Union of Puerto Rico joined in the grief of the Dominican people in the face of the tragedy at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, where the death toll had reached 124 by noon on Wednesday (see related story on page 10).

“We are deeply moved by this tragedy and are praying for the families who have been affected by this unfortunate incident,” José Tirado, the union’s president, said in a statement Wednesday morning.

A group of fellow Puerto Rican rescuers and firefighters was sent to support the rescue efforts, he noted.

“We know they will give the best of their abilities, expertise and humanity,” Tirado said.

On Tuesday night, Gov. Jenniffer González Colón sent personnel from the Puerto Rico Firefighters Bureau to the Dominican Republic to assist with rescue missions following the roof collapse.

She also authorized a group from the Institute of Forensic Sciences (ICF by its initials in Spanish) to travel to the Dominican Republic as part of the mission.

“With deep regret, I join in the grief of the sister people of the Dominican Republic, our sister country, at the tragic loss of so many lives in Santo Domingo,” the governor said in a written statement. “From Puerto Rico, we send our prayers and solidarity to each affected family. We honor the memory of those who have passed away and reiterate our commitment to support them in this painful moment.”

González Colón joined the mourning period declared by Dominican President Luis Abinader, so flags were to be flown at half-staff in all government offices on Wednesday.

“The Puerto Rico Fire Department stands in solidarity with the people of the Dominican Republic in the face of the tragedy they are experiencing. We are prepared with the necessary resources to actively work in search and rescue efforts,” Firefighters Bureau Commissioner Josué Piñeiro Torres said. “Once we received the call, we immediately activated the firefighter group that will be responsible for providing support to the Dominican authorities in any way they need. This is not the first time firefighters have gone out to work in emergencies like this. We are always prepared to respond when the people need us, and this is no exception.”

The contingent from the Firefighters Bureau is made up of three officers and nine firefighters.

Tirado, the union leader, also noted in his statement Wednesday that the painful event in the Dominican Republic highlights the importance of safety inspections for the protection of life and property.