In the early hours of April 8, 2025, the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed during a merengue concert. The disaster killed at least 98 people and injured over 160. The venue had around 300 people inside at the time.
Notable Victims
Octavio Dotel, a 51-year-old former Major League Baseball pitcher, died in the collapse. He was rescued alive but passed away on the way to the hospital. Dotel played for 13 MLB teams during his 15-year career and won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011.
Another victim was Tony Blanco, who played for the Washington Nationals in 2005 and later in Japan. His son, Tony Blanco Jr., currently plays in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ minor league system.
Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of MLB adviser Nelson Cruz, also died in the tragedy.
Rescue and Emergency Response
Rescue workers pulled at least 138 people from the rubble. Emergency operations continued into the night, with fears that the death toll could rise. Families gathered outside the nightclub, hoping for news about missing loved ones.
Government Response and Investigation
President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning. The nightclub’s owners promised to cooperate with investigators and help support victims and their families.
Officials have opened an investigation into the cause of the collapse. They are examining the building’s structure and whether any negligence contributed to the disaster.
This heartbreaking event has shocked the nation and raised urgent questions about building safety enforcement.
