Tragedy strikes Dominican Republic: Beloved singer and MLB stars among 124 killed in nightclub roof collapse

A catastrophic structural failure at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has claimed the lives of at least 124 people and injured 155 others, marking one of the deadliest single-site tragedies in the country’s recent history. The incident occurred in the early hours of April 8, 2025, during a concert by iconic merengue artist Rubby Pérez. Authorities confirmed that the roof of the nightclub collapsed within seconds while the artist was mid-performance, leaving almost no time for the audience to escape.

Initial findings from the national police and emergency services indicate that the collapse took place at 12:34 a.m. Though an official cause has not been confirmed, preliminary investigations are examining structural integrity concerns, especially given that the nightclub reportedly suffered fire damage in 2023. While the club had undergone renovations in the past decade, including updates in 2010 and 2015, officials are now investigating whether these modifications contributed to the building’s vulnerability. Experts in structural engineering have pointed out that adaptive reuse of old cinemas like Jet Set—originally built for a different purpose—can create long-term stress points if not reinforced correctly during renovations.

Search-and-rescue teams worked through the night and well into Wednesday, using heavy machinery to move debris in the hope of locating survivors. As daylight broke over Santo Domingo, the scale of the devastation became clearer. According to Colonel Randolfo Rijo Gomez, head of the country’s 911 emergency services, dozens were pulled from the rubble—many critically injured. Forensic teams have been deployed to identify bodies, and emergency medical teams are attending to the wounded in overwhelmed local hospitals.

Who were the high-profile victims of the Jet Set nightclub collapse?

Among the deceased were several prominent figures from the worlds of music, sports, politics, and fashion, further intensifying national mourning. Rubby Pérez, the 69-year-old merengue legend performing at the time of the collapse, was confirmed dead by the Dominican Republic National Police. Pérez’s career spanned decades, with hits that defined the genre and brought international attention to Dominican merengue music. A tribute posted to his social media account described him as an “eternal voice of our culture,” a sentiment widely echoed throughout the country and diaspora.

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel, aged 51, was also among the victims. Dotel, who had a 15-year career in Major League Baseball, played for a record 13 teams including the New York Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals. He was part of the Cardinals’ 2011 World Series championship team and had previously thrown a combined no-hitter against the New York Yankees in 2003 while with the Houston Astros. Dotel was reportedly pulled from the rubble alive but succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital. The Mets, one of his former teams, held a moment of silence before their Tuesday night game in tribute to his memory.

Another former MLB player, Tony Blanco, aged 44, was also killed. Blanco had played for the Washington Nationals and later pursued a successful career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league. Both athletes were regarded as ambassadors of Dominican baseball talent, a sentiment reinforced by the Dominican Ministry of Sports and Recreation, which highlighted their contributions to national and international sports.

Adding to the tragedy, Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martinez, the governor of Montecristi and sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz, was also confirmed dead. Nelson Cruz, a towering figure in Dominican baseball, shared a heartfelt family statement noting that her legacy of service would “live forever in our hearts.” Her position as a public official and the familial connection to the baseball world underscored the broad social spectrum of the victims.

Prominent Dominican fashion designer Martin Polanco also perished in the collapse. Known for styling artists such as Daddy Yankee and Sergio Vargas and even designing for President Luis Abinader, Polanco was celebrated for shaping the image of Dominican celebrity culture through fashion.

What is the historical significance of Jet Set nightclub in Dominican culture?

The Jet Set nightclub has been a cornerstone of Santo Domingo’s nightlife and music scene since 1973. Originally constructed as a cinema, the venue later transitioned into one of the most iconic live music spaces in the country, especially known for showcasing merengue, salsa, and bachata. Over its five-decade legacy, Jet Set became a cultural institution, hosting both emerging and legendary performers.

However, the building’s legacy also brings with it complications. Older entertainment venues often face structural wear and challenges adapting to modern performance demands. Though Jet Set underwent renovations over the years, including after a fire in 2023, there are growing concerns that these updates may not have been structurally sufficient. Construction experts note that fire damage—if not fully mitigated—can severely weaken concrete reinforcements and steel trusses, especially in a humid Caribbean climate.

President Luis Abinader responded swiftly, announcing an official investigation into the incident while expressing condolences to the victims’ families. In a statement on social media, he said, “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts.” He also declared three days of national mourning.

How is the international community responding to the Dominican Republic nightclub collapse?

The tragedy has resonated beyond the Dominican Republic’s borders, especially given the international profiles of many victims. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that at least one American citizen was among the dead, along with several lawful permanent residents. While he did not specify the total number of foreign nationals affected, he offered support on behalf of the U.S. government and expressed willingness to assist Dominican authorities during this crisis.

The global baseball community has also responded in solidarity. Major League Baseball Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr. issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of Dotel, Blanco, Cruz, and others, acknowledging the strong bond between the Dominican Republic and baseball. He emphasized that the league stands with Dominican players, fans, and families during this difficult time.

Artists, sports teams, and public figures across Latin America have shared tributes on social media. Videos from the scene, including footage posted by DJ Shakirax—who had been performing earlier in the evening—highlighted the panic and chaos that erupted after the roof collapse. The overwhelming scale of destruction has triggered comparisons to other catastrophic club disasters, including the 2023 North Macedonia fire that killed at least 59 people.

What does this tragedy mean for safety standards in entertainment venues?

The Jet Set nightclub collapse has sparked urgent discussions around the safety of public entertainment venues in the Caribbean and Latin America. In regions where infrastructure is often strained by age, inconsistent code enforcement, or inadequate maintenance, the risk of such incidents looms large. As investigations unfold, experts expect closer scrutiny of nightclub safety protocols, fire prevention systems, and structural audit processes across the region.

While some officials have defended the state of the building prior to the collapse, others have pointed to signs of neglect. The 2023 fire, although reportedly minor, may have compromised structural elements that were not fully replaced or reinforced. Government authorities now face mounting pressure to re-evaluate safety certifications, particularly in high-capacity venues hosting concerts and live events.

Families of the victims have begun demanding accountability, including independent inspections of the club’s renovation history and the role of regulatory oversight. With legal and policy consequences likely to follow, this tragedy could mark a turning point in how entertainment spaces are managed and licensed throughout the Dominican Republic.

What’s next for the Dominican Republic after the Jet Set disaster?

As the Dominican Republic reels from the loss of so many lives, the Jet Set nightclub collapse has left a gaping wound in the country’s cultural, social, and political fabric. For a nation where music, sport, and nightlife serve as vital forms of expression and identity, the deaths of Rubby Pérez, Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, and Nelsy Cruz carry symbolic weight.

While the immediate focus remains on rescue and recovery, the coming weeks will bring ongoing investigations, memorials, and public dialogue about the nation’s infrastructure standards. Dominican officials are expected to publish findings from forensic engineers, which could influence regulatory reforms aimed at preventing future catastrophes.

Until then, families mourn, the nation grieves, and tributes continue to pour in from across the globe. The music may have stopped at Jet Set, but the legacy of those lost—and the calls for justice—will continue to echo.