Tragedy Strikes Dominican Republic Nightclub: Roof Collapse Claims Over 100 Lives, Including Former MLB Players
A devastating incident unfolded on April 8, 2025, when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed during a live performance, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life.People.com+12Wikipedia+12CNW Network+12
Incident Details
The collapse occurred around 12:44 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time, during a concert by renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez. The nightclub was filled with approximately 500 to 1,000 attendees, including prominent musicians, athletes, and officials. Eyewitnesses reported that the roof gave way without warning, leading to immediate chaos and confusion. newvisionnews.net+12Wikipedia+12Reuters+12
Casualties
The disaster has claimed at least 124 lives, with over 255 individuals injured. Among the deceased are:Yahoo News+8UNILAD+8Pitchfork+8Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre+4New York Post+4Bless You Boys+4
-
Octavio Dotel: A former MLB pitcher who played for 13 teams over his 15-year career, including the St. Louis Cardinals, with whom he won the World Series in 2011. Bless You Boys+1Yahoo Sports+1
-
Tony Blanco: A former MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball player, remembered for his contributions to the sport. Daily Voice
-
Rubby Pérez: A celebrated merengue artist who was performing at the time of the collapse. Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre+10Pitchfork+10Latest news & breaking headlines+10
-
Nelsy Cruz: The governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. She succumbed to injuries from falling debris. Yahoo Sports+10AP News+10Wikipedia+10Wikipedia+1Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre+1
Rescue Operations
Rescue teams, including emergency responders and volunteers, have been working tirelessly to search for survivors amidst the rubble. Initial efforts led to the rescue of over 150 individuals, but as of April 9, no additional survivors have been found, and hopes are diminishing. New York Post+1Latest news & breaking headlines+1Reuters+1New York Post+1
Investigation and Response
The cause of the roof collapse remains under investigation. Authorities are examining structural integrity reports and conducting interviews to determine any negligence or structural failures. President Luis Abinader has declared three days of national mourning from April 8 to 10, lowering flags to half-mast in honor of the victims. New York PostYahoo News+14Wikipedia+14Latest news & breaking headlines+14
Community Impact
The tragedy has profoundly affected the Dominican Republic, especially within the sports and music communities. Tributes have poured in for the victims, highlighting their contributions and the void left by their untimely deaths. Former MLB players, teams, and fans worldwide are mourning the loss of Dotel and Blanco, while the music industry grieves the loss of Pérez. Reuters+11Pitchfork+11Latest news & breaking headlines+11Yahoo News+10Yahoo+10Bless You Boys+10
As investigations continue and the nation mourns, the resilience and unity of the Dominican people are evident as they support the affected families and honor the memories of those lost.
