A heartbreaking disaster struck the Dominican Republic this week when the roof of the popular Jet Set nightclub collapsed during a live performance, killing 113 people and injuring over 150 others, according to local officials.
The scene has left families shattered and a nation in mourning. Rescue workers continue to dig through the rubble, holding onto hope that someone might still be found alive beneath the debris.
The collapse happened Monday night while the beloved merengue singer Rubby Pérez was performing. His body was later found by rescue crews. The mood at the club had been festive just moments before the disaster, with politicians, musicians, and former athletes gathered inside.
Emergency teams rushed more than 155 people to hospitals. On Wednesday, Juan Manuel Méndez, who leads the country’s emergency response agency, confirmed the rising death toll and said the cause of the collapse was still being investigated.
Meanwhile, grief counselors and mental health professionals are working closely with families who are still searching for answers—or waiting for word that never comes.
The nightclub, known for hosting major acts and high-profile crowds, released a statement filled with sorrow.
“The loss of life leaves us devastated. Our thoughts and prayers are with every affected family. We feel this pain deeply, too—we are in mourning alongside you.”
President Luis Abinader visited the site the day after the collapse to speak with first responders and offer comfort to victims' families. He later declared three national days of mourning and ordered flags across the country to be flown at half-staff.
Among the victims were some of the Dominican Republic’s most recognizable names, including:
Octavio Dotel, 51, a former MLB pitcher who played for 13 teams during his career and won a World Series title with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011.
Tony Blanco, 43, who played for the Washington Nationals and went on to play professionally in Japan.
Nelsy Cruz, sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz and the governor of Monte Cristi province.
Rubby Pérez, whose powerful voice helped shape the merengue genre.
A member of Pérez’s band—a saxophonist—was also killed. His manager, Enrique Paulino, said the collapse happened about an hour into the show.
Outside the nightclub, crowds have continued to gather, waiting for news or clinging to hope. Former MLB star Pedro Martinez shared a personal video, revealing that some of his own relatives were still unaccounted for.
“I still have family under the rubble,” he said. “We don’t know anything yet.”
Sports agent Paul Kinzer, who represents several Dominican baseball players, confirmed that Esteban Germán had been at the club but left shortly before the roof gave way. Neifi Pérez, Rubby Pérez’s brother and also a former major leaguer, wasn’t present at the time.
Rob Manfred, Commissioner of Major League Baseball, released a statement expressing deep sorrow:
“We are heartbroken over the loss of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz, and everyone else affected by this tragedy. The Dominican Republic is a cornerstone of the baseball world, and today we stand in solidarity with its people.”
Sports journalist Jon Heyman also shared his condolences and reflected on Dotel’s legacy:
So sorry to hear about the tragedy in Santo Domingo that killed former pitcher Octavio Dotel, the sister of Nelson Cruz, Nelsy, and many more. Octavio played for 13 teams and he was undoubtedly a joy for every last one of them. Just a delightful guy.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 8, 2025
Nelson Cruz announced that his sister’s remains will be honored at the Montecristi Provincial Government, with funeral plans to follow.
Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó also expressed condolences:
“Our city wakes up to an unthinkable tragedy. My heart goes out to the families still searching for answers.”
