A catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has claimed the lives of more than a hundred people and left more than 150 injured. The deadly incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday during a concert by popular merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was among those killed in the tragedy.
The collapse happened around 1 AM when the venue was packed with hundreds of attendees, including politicians, athletes, and other prominent figures. Emergency crews have been working frantically to rescue survivors from the rubble, with approximately 400 rescuers engaged in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
Notable Victims Among the Deceased
The collapse claimed the lives of several high-profile individuals, sending shockwaves throughout the Dominican Republic and beyond. Among the confirmed deaths are:
- Rubby Pérez, the renowned merengue singer who was performing when the roof collapsed
- Nelsy Cruz, governor of the northern Monte Cristi province and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz
- Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for multiple teams, including the New York Mets, Houston Astros, and New York Yankees
Dotel, 51, was pulled from the debris but tragically died en route to a local hospital, according to a spokesman for the nation’s sports ministry. He had a distinguished 15-year career in baseball, debuting with the New York Mets in 1999 and playing until 2013.
Eyewitness Accounts
Mobile phone footage inside the club has emerged, providing haunting glimpses of the moments before the disaster. In one video, patrons can be seen enjoying the concert, with some dancing while Rubby Pérez performs on stage. Another recording captured a man standing near the stage pointing toward the ceiling and saying, “Something fell from the ceiling,” shortly before the collapse.
One of Pérez’s band members described the terrifying moment to local media, saying, “I thought it was an earthquake.” The musician also noted that the club had been full when the tragedy occurred.
Rescue Efforts Continue
Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center (COE), expressed hope that many of those still buried under the collapsed roof might be alive. The rescue capacity has been increased with “more heavy equipment being used to speed up the removal of debris and continue the search efforts,” according to presidential spokesperson Homero Figueroa.
Families of victims have gathered near the site, anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. Pedro Martinez, the former Major League Baseball star who played 17 seasons, shared his connection to the tragedy in a video on Instagram, saying, “I still have family members that are still in the rubble, and we don’t know what happened to them.”
Support for Families and Investigation
Authorities have been providing psychological support to the families of victims as they navigate this devastating event. President Luis Abinader has expressed his condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
The cause of the roof collapse remains under investigation. Officials have not yet released information about what may have triggered the structural failure at the popular nightclub, which regularly hosts dance music concerts on Monday evenings.
Impact on the Sports Community
The deaths of Octavio Dotel and the connection to other baseball figures have deeply affected the sports community. Carlos Mendoza, manager of the New York Mets, addressed the tragedy during a press conference, saying, “Thinking about our people in the Dominican Republic.”
The Dominican Republic has a strong baseball tradition and has produced numerous MLB players over the years. The loss of Dotel and the impact on families like that of Nelson Cruz highlight the far-reaching effects of this disaster.
Jet Set Nightclub’s Popularity
The Jet Set nightclub was known as a popular entertainment venue in Santo Domingo, frequently hosting concerts and events that attracted diverse crowds. Monday evening performances were a regular fixture at the club, drawing both locals and visitors.
The presence of government officials, athletes, and celebrities at the event underscores the venue’s prominence in the capital’s nightlife scene. This tragedy has now cast a dark shadow over what was once a vibrant gathering place.
National Response
The Dominican Republic is in mourning as the death toll could potentially rise further. Emergency services continue their tireless efforts to locate and rescue any remaining survivors. The government has mobilized significant resources to respond to one of the worst structural collapses in the country’s recent history.
As the nation grapples with this tragedy, questions about building safety standards and enforcement are likely to emerge. The investigation into the cause will be crucial in determining what led to this catastrophic failure and how similar incidents might be prevented in the future.
International Reactions
News of the disaster has prompted condolences and offers of support from around the world. The international community, particularly countries with close ties to the Dominican Republic, has expressed solidarity with the nation during this difficult time.
For a country known for its tourism and vibrant culture, this tragedy represents a significant blow. As rescue operations continue and investigations begin, the focus remains on supporting the victims, their families, and the broader community affected by this devastating event.