A devastating incident unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday as the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo caved in during a packed merengue concert, leaving at least 79 people dead and more than 150 others injured, according to official sources. Rescue operations are ongoing, with hundreds of emergency personnel still searching through the debris for potential survivors.
Among the confirmed fatalities are former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, 51, and Monte Cristi Governor Nelsy Cruz, the sister of baseball star Nelson Cruz. Dotel, who played for major teams including the New York Mets, Houston Astros, and Detroit Tigers, tragically passed away en route to the hospital after being pulled from the rubble.
The concert, headlined by beloved merengue legend Rubby Pérez, turned into a nightmare when a large portion of the roof suddenly gave way shortly after 1 a.m. Disturbing video footage captured inside the venue shows the singer performing moments before the collapse. Witnesses reported a loud crack followed by chaos as the structure came crashing down.
One chilling clip circulating on social media features a man near the stage pointing to the ceiling seconds before the disaster, saying something had fallen. In the background, Rubby Pérez can be seen glancing toward the area moments before the screen goes black, followed by desperate screams including a woman shouting, “Dad, what’s happened to you?”
The Jet Set nightclub, a longtime hotspot for music lovers and celebrities alike, was packed to capacity. The venue is known for hosting high-profile events every Monday night. Several well-known politicians, athletes, and entertainers were reportedly in attendance when the catastrophe struck.
According to Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the Emergency Operations Centre (COE), rescue teams remain hopeful that more people can be found alive beneath the rubble. Over 400 responders are still working at the scene.
Eyewitnesses described the moment as surreal, with one of Rubby Pérez’s band members saying, “It felt like an earthquake. People were dancing one second and then screaming the next.”
Rubby Pérez’s daughter confirmed that her father was initially among those trapped but has since been rescued. His current condition has not yet been publicly confirmed.
President Luis Abinader offered his deepest sympathies to the victims’ families, calling the event a “heart-wrenching national tragedy.” A full investigation has been launched into the structural failure, as questions swirl about how such a deadly collapse could occur at one of the capital’s most prominent venues.
As the nation mourns, many across the globe are sending their prayers and condolences to the Dominican Republic during this time of profound loss.
