Lawrence mourns victims of Dominican Republic nightclub collapse, including local restaurateur

The Lawrence community is mourning the victims of a collapse of a popular nightclub in the Dominican Republic.

The roof of Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo fell in during a merengue concert early Tuesday, killing at least 218 people and injuring over 200 more. Concrete slabs killed some instantly and trapped dozens of others on a dance floor where hundreds had been dancing. The death toll continues to grow as rescuers search through the rubble.

Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña announced that the city will host a vigil to mourn the victims of the collapse on Appleton Way next to City Hall on Thursday at 4 p.m. More than half of Lawrence residents have Dominican heritage, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.

A Lawrence restaurateur is among those who died in the collapse.

In a post on social media, the Terra Luna Group mourned the "irreparable loss" of CEO Fray Luis Rosario, who owned Terra Luna Cafes in Lawrence and Providence, Rhode Island.

“We will continue to work with dedication and commitment, honoring his memory and carrying forward his innovative, noble and joyful spirit,” the restaurant group said.

City Council President Jeovanny Rodriguez told WBUR that Rosario was a well-respected in Lawrence.

"He was a great person to the community, always looking forward for the improvement of the Lawrence downtown area," said Rodriguez.

The councilor said people are in shock over the collapse of the club and that it has directly and indirectly affected many in Lawrence and Greater Boston.

Hall of Fame former Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez said Wednesday he has family members unaccounted for who were inside the nightclub when its roof collapsed.

The 53-year-old Martinez was born in Manoguayabo, about 10 miles west of the Dominican Republic's capital city.

“We are all affected,” he said. “I still have family members who are still in the rubbles and we don’t know what happened to them. But we just want to be strong, like we have always been. We’re a country that prays a lot and remains united all the time, so I just hope everybody has the same courage.”

With reporting from The Associated Press and WBUR's Katie Cole and Cici Yu.