A devastating tragedy struck the Dominican Republic early Tuesday when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a live concert, killing at least 98 people and injuring 160 others, according to emergency officials.
The incident occurred around 12:34 a.m. during a performance by popular merengue artist Rubby Pérez. The structure reportedly gave way within moments, leaving dozens trapped under the debris. Rescue teams were quickly deployed and continued to search through the rubble for survivors.
General Juan Manuel Mendez, head of the national emergency operations center, confirmed the death toll as efforts to recover bodies and assist the wounded continued. The Dominican Civil Defense initially reported 44 fatalities, but that number has since risen.
Among the deceased were notable figures including former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel, 51, and Tony Blanco, 44. Dotel, known for playing with 13 MLB teams including the Mets and the Yankees, was pulled from the wreckage but succumbed to his injuries while being transported to a hospital. The Mets held a moment of silence in his honor. Blanco, who played for the Washington Nationals and various international teams, was also confirmed dead by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
Another victim was Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martinez, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz. In a heartfelt message, the Cruz Martinez family described her as a woman remembered for her compassion and dedication to service.
President Luis Abinader expressed deep sorrow over the catastrophe, stating that the government had been monitoring the situation closely and mobilizing all available resources for rescue and relief. “Our hearts are with the affected families,” he wrote on social media.
The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic made the loss even more profound. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred released a statement offering condolences to the victims’ families, acknowledging the strong ties between the sport and the country.
Survivors and family members gathered at the site, some searching for loved ones who were still unaccounted for. DJ Shakirax, present at the time of the collapse, shared videos capturing the chaos in the immediate aftermath.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the structural failure. Reports indicate that the nightclub had suffered fire damage in 2023, which may have contributed to the collapse.