Mayor Adams visits Dominican Republic after deadly nightclub roof collapse
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- New York City Mayor Eric Adams arrived in the Dominican Republic on Monday to pay his respects to the 231 people who died last week when the roof of a legendary nightclub collapsed in Santo Domingo.
The visit of the embattled mayor comes as many of the 700,000 Dominicans who live in New York City, representing 8% of its population, mourn the victims who were attending a concert at the Jet Set club on April 7.
Adams first met with police and other local authorities and then visited the site, where he was received by officials, including Victor D'Aza, president of the Dominican Municipal League. It's the body that regulates the mayors' offices, which are responsible for granting construction permits and supervising renovations of works.
"This has to be a lesson for more effective supervision, for rigor in compliance with the rules. This is a wake-up call," D'Aza told The Associated Press.
Traveling with the Mayor, the city's Dominican-born DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, who left his home country and immigrated to New York City at the age of 18.
The pair met with the consul general and the many first responders who labored day and night in a desperate effort to save people trapped in the rubble.
The tally of victims rose Monday from 226 to 231, according to Interior Minister Faride Raful.
Crews rescued 189 people from the rubble, and 12 are still hospitalized. Three of those are in critical condition, according to health officials.
It was not immediately clear what caused the roof to collapse. Authorities are investigating.
Adams attended a Mass in the evening.
Governor Kathy Hochul ordered flags to be lowered and New York City buildings lit up in Dominican colors.
"New York is so proud to be the home of over 1 million Dominicans - 1 million. The ties between our countries, the country, and our state are unshakeable," Gov. Hochul said.
700,00 of those Dominicans have settled in the city, making them the largest immigrant group in the 5 boroughs.
In Washington Heights, Jose Valerio said he appreciated the mayor's visit and the sincere gesture of solidarity and support.
"It's good because he can offer help. He can offer help to those who lost loved ones and to those who are still in the hospital," Valerio said.
Adams's visit comes as he prepares to run for reelection as an independent following a bribery scandal and anger among supporters of the Democratic politician over his warm relationship with Republican U.S. President Donald Trump.
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