A tragic incident unfolded in the Dominican Republic when the roof of a popular nightclub, Jet Set, collapsed in the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, claiming the lives of over 100 people. Among the 113 confirmed fatalities were two former Major League Baseball players, Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. The club, located in the capital city of Santo Domingo, was hosting an event that drew a crowd of over 300 attendees.
The disaster struck at approximately 1 a.m. while merengue artist Rubby Pérez and his orchestra were performing. Chaos erupted as the roof caved in, prompting emergency responders to rush to the scene. Rescue operations began immediately as workers combed through the wreckage in search of survivors. In a heartbreaking turn, it was reported that Octavio Dotel was initially rescued alive but succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.
On April 9, Juan Manuel Méndez, the director of the Emergency Operations Center, confirmed the death toll had risen to 113. Among the deceased were not only Dotel and Blanco but also performer Rubby Pérez. The Dominican Sports Ministry expressed deep sorrow at the loss of the two former athletes, extending condolences and prayers to their families, friends, and teammates.
Another victim identified in the aftermath was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province. Major League Baseball player Nelson Cruz later confirmed that Nelsy was a relative of his. Sadly, the identities of 33 victims remain unconfirmed, while 155 other individuals sustained injuries and were hospitalized.
Rescue teams continue to work relentlessly, with Méndez affirming that search operations are ongoing. One of the missing individuals includes the son of Eduardo Estrella, the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Public Works. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the roof collapse, but aerial photographs depict a massive hole in the nightclub’s structure.
In response to the catastrophe, at least 22 government institutions have coordinated efforts to aid in the emergency response. President Luis Abinader has declared three days of national mourning. In a message shared on Twitter, he conveyed his sorrow over the incident, stating that all rescue services are fully mobilized and that the nation’s thoughts and prayers are with the affected families.
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