Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse kills 66
A tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has claimed the lives of at least 66 people, including prominent figures such as provincial governor Nelsy Cruz and former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. The incident occurred during a concert by merengue artist Rubby Pérez in the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Over 150 individuals sustained injuries, and rescue operations are ongoing to locate survivors trapped under the debris.
The nightclub, a renowned venue in the Caribbean operating for nearly five decades, was hosting a large crowd of between 500 and 1,000 attendees when the roof collapsed. Among those present were politicians, athletes, and other notable personalities. Emergency crews, numbering around 400 personnel, are working tirelessly to recover victims and provide medical assistance to the injured.
The cause of the collapse remains unclear, but authorities have pledged to investigate thoroughly. The owners of Jet Set have expressed their commitment to cooperate with authorities in determining the circumstances surrounding the disaster. Dominican President Luis Abinader visited the site and emphasized that rescue efforts remain focused on saving lives.
This tragedy has deeply affected the nation, with condolences pouring in from government officials and public figures. The Dominican Republic’s Professional Baseball League mourned the loss of Octavio Dotel, while cultural leaders highlighted the devastating impact on the community.
