A Governor, Two ex-MLB Players, popular Musician Killed in Roof Collapse in Dominican Republic
- Victor Nwoko
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
The death toll from the catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, rose to 113 on Wednesday as rescue operations continued into their second day. The incident occurred during a live merengue concert attended by a crowd that included politicians, former professional athletes, and high-profile figures. Over 155 people were transported to local hospitals following the collapse, according to the Dominican Republic National Police.
Director of the Emergency Operations Center, Juan Manuel Méndez, confirmed the latest figures in an update, noting that the search for survivors was ongoing and that the cause of the collapse was still under investigation. Psychological support was being provided to the families of victims as rescue workers dug through rubble in the National District in search of anyone who may still be alive.
In a statement, the Jet Set nightclub expressed sorrow over the incident, stating, “The loss of life leaves us in a state of profound pain and dismay. In this difficult moment, our prayers are with each of the affected families. We share their pain as if it were our own, because we are also in mourning.”
President Luis Abinader visited the site on Tuesday to supervise rescue efforts and console grieving families. He declared three national days of mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast.
Outside the nightclub, families waited for updates on missing loved ones. Pedro Martinez, a 17-season Major League Baseball veteran, shared his anguish in a video, revealing that members of his family were still unaccounted for under the debris.
The disaster struck during a performance by legendary Dominican merengue singer Rubby Pérez. Authorities confirmed that Pérez, who had been on stage when the roof gave way, was among the dead. His manager, Enrique Paulino, stated that the collapse occurred about an hour after the concert began. The band’s saxophonist was also killed.
Pérez’s brother, Neifi Pérez, a former MLB player, was not present at the event. Sports agent Paul Kinzer noted that Jet Set was a popular venue among prominent athletes and celebrities. According to Kinzer, former MLB player Esteban Germán left the club shortly before the collapse.
The tragedy also claimed the lives of other notable figures, including Octavio Dotel, a former MLB pitcher who played for 13 teams over 15 seasons, and Tony Blanco, a former Washington Nationals player who also played in Japan. Dotel, 51, sustained fatal injuries during the collapse. Blanco, 43, leaves behind a son, Tony Blanco Jr., a prospect with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement extending condolences to the victims, including Dotel, Blanco, and Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz. Nelson Cruz announced funeral arrangements for his sister, whose body will lie in state at the Provincial Government of Montecristi.
Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó expressed her condolences, saying, “Our city wakes up to a terrible tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. My deepest sympathy goes out to the families still waiting for news of their loved ones.”
In the aftermath of the disaster, crowds of grieving relatives have gathered at hospitals and the National Institute of Forensic Pathology, hoping for news. At one hospital, names of survivors were read aloud while people cried out the names of missing loved ones. Among them was Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son had gone to the nightclub and had not returned home, and Massiel Cuevas, who continued to wait for her 22-year-old goddaughter.
“We’re holding on only to God,” Ortiz said.
The nightclub has stated that it is fully cooperating with authorities. The cause of the collapse and the date of the building’s last inspection have not been disclosed. As of Wednesday evening, the scene remained active, with emergency crews continuing the painstaking work of locating those still missing beneath the rubble.
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