In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on April 8, 2025, a tragic accident occurred at the Jet Set Nightclub during a show by the popular merengue singer Rubby Pérez. 98 people were killed and over 160 were injured when the roof of the nightclub collapsed suddenly.
Victims and Notable Figures
- Rubby Pérez: The 69-year-old merengue legend was on stage performing when the building collapsed. Originally reported rescued, subsequent confirmation had him one of the deceased.
Nightclub Roof Collapse in Dominican Republic Leaves 15 Dead, Singer Rubby Pérez Injured Authorities have launched extensive search and rescue efforts, with more than 100 individuals transported to hospitals across the city as emergency teams continue working to locate survivors… pic.twitter.com/pXx4PFSC6t
— Dj Omega Mvp (@DjOmegaMVP) April 8, 2025
- Octavio Dotel: The 51-year-old retired Major League Baseball pitcher, who spent time with teams such as the New York Mets and St.Louis Cardinals, was attending the event. He was pulled from the debris but tragically passed away en route to medical care.
We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that former Astros pitcher Octavio Dotel was one of several individuals that passed away when a roof collapsed in his native Dominican Republic last night.
Dotel, 51, spent five seasons (2000-04) of his outstanding, 15-year Major… pic.twitter.com/wQui3h7rko
— Houston Astros (@astros) April 8, 2025
- Nelsy Cruz: Serving as the governor of Monte Cristi province, Cruz, 51, was also among the victims. She was the sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz.
Incident Details
BREAKING: At least 44 dead and 160 injured in a roof collapse at a nightclub in the Dominican Republic https://t.co/uRnNkZdt4f
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 8, 2025
The fall happened more than one hour into Pérez’s performance at 12:44 AM AST. According to eyewitnesses, the facility was packed to capacity; attendance estimates range from 220 to 240. Some people first mistook an initial misunderstanding for evidence of an earthquake.
Emergency Response
Released immediately, rescue operations involved around 400 first responders working nonstop to dig people from the ground. By dawn, around 138 people had already been evacuated and sent to different medical institutions. Triangularana Colombia
Investigation and Reactions
Still under research is the reason the building fell. Officials are looking at the nightclub‘s maintenance record and the date of the most recent inspections.
President Luis Abinader later announced three days of national mourning in honor of the dead. He went to the accident scene to show his emotions and reassure everyone that all required tools were under mobilization for operations of rescue and relief.
