In the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, tragedy struck the capital of the Dominican Republic when the roof of the popular Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo suddenly collapsed. The venue, known for hosting high-profile concerts and events, was packed with over 300 people enjoying a live merengue performance by renowned artist Rubby Pérez.
Chaos and Casualties
At approximately 1:00 AM local time, the building’s roof gave way, sending debris crashing down onto the crowd below. Initial panic turned into horror as rescuers began pulling injured guests and lifeless bodies from the rubble. The Emergency Operations Center confirmed the devastating loss of at least 113 lives, with more than 155 others hospitalized due to injuries ranging from minor cuts to life-threatening trauma.
Notable Victims: Two MLB Stars Among the Dead
Two former Major League Baseball players, Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, were among those killed. Dotel, who was reportedly still alive when rescuers found him, sadly died en route to the hospital. The Dominican Sports Ministry expressed its grief, saying in a statement: “We share in their grief with their family, friends, and colleagues, and we offer our prayers for their eternal rest.”
Tony Blanco, who also played in the U.S. and Japanese leagues, was well known in the Dominican baseball community. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the world of sports and added a painful national dimension to the tragedy.
Politician Among the Victims
Another high-profile casualty was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the Monte Cristi province. Her death was confirmed by her relative, MLB all-star Nelson Cruz, who publicly mourned the loss of his loved one. President Luis Abinader offered condolences and declared three days of national mourning to honor the victims.
Rescue Efforts Continue
Rescue workers have been working around the clock to search through the debris in hopes of finding more survivors. Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the Emergency Operations Center, stated that 33 bodies have yet to be identified, and some individuals are still missing, including the son of Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella.
“We’re going to search tirelessly for people,” Méndez said in a press statement, emphasizing the commitment of the emergency crews.
Cause of the Collapse Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the collapse. Overhead photos reveal a massive hole where the nightclub’s roof once stood, indicating a structural failure of significant proportions. The nightclub’s management had not reported any recent safety concerns, and there has been no confirmation of when the building was last inspected.
At least 22 public institutions have mobilized to assist in rescue, recovery, and investigation efforts. Engineers and construction experts are expected to examine the ruins in the coming days.
National and Global Reactions
The entire nation of the Dominican Republic is in mourning. President Abinader addressed the country via social media:
“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. All rescue agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”
Global condolences have poured in from public figures, baseball organizations, and fans of Rubby Pérez, who was beloved across Latin America for his musical legacy.
Remembering the Victims
As funerals begin and families grieve, the country reflects on the lives lost—many of whom came for a night of joy and celebration. The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about building safety regulations, crowd management, and emergency preparedness.
Conclusion
While the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable if negligence is found.
