SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – A devastating roof collapse at the popular Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic’s capital early Tuesday morning has claimed the lives of at least 66 people and injured over 160, authorities have confirmed. The tragedy occurred during a packed merengue concert, sending shockwaves through the nation and the international sports community as it was revealed that former Major League Baseball (MLB) players were among the deceased.
The popular venue in southern Santo Domingo was hosting hundreds of patrons, including prominent figures from the worlds of sports and politics, when the roof suddenly gave way around 12:44 AM local time. Witnesses described scenes of utter chaos as the structure crumbled, trapping scores of people under heavy debris.
Beloved Ex-Baseball Players Among the Dead:
The disaster has deeply impacted the baseball world with the confirmed deaths of two former MLB players:
- Octavio Dotel, a former relief pitcher who played for 13 different MLB teams during his 15-year career and won a World Series title with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, was among those killed. Initial reports indicated he had been rescued, but he tragically succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital at the age of 51. Â
- Tony Blanco, a former utility player who briefly played for the Washington Nationals in 2005 before a successful career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League, also lost his life in the collapse. He was 43 years old. Â
The Dominican Republic’s Professional Baseball League expressed its profound sorrow over the loss of Dotel and Blanco, acknowledging their significant contributions to the sport.
Governor and Singer Among Victims:
Tragically, the death toll also includes Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the Monte Cristi province and the sister of former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. First Lady Raquel Abraje confirmed that Cruz had called President Luis Abinader shortly after the collapse, stating she was trapped. She later died in the hospital.
Renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing at the time of the collapse, was initially reported missing but has since been confirmed dead by his representative. His saxophonist was also among the fatalities.
Rescue Efforts and Investigation Underway:
Emergency crews, numbering over 400, worked tirelessly throughout Tuesday and into Wednesday morning, navigating through the wreckage of concrete, steel, and wood to locate survivors and recover bodies. The sound of drills echoed through the scene as rescuers attempted to reach those still trapped.
While the immediate priority remains rescue and recovery, authorities have stated that an investigation into the cause of the roof collapse is underway. Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos told local media that while the public is eager for answers, the focus is currently on those still under the rubble.
Nation Mourns the Loss:
President Luis Abinader visited the scene of the tragedy and declared three days of national mourning. In a statement on social media, he expressed his deep regret and assured the nation that all rescue teams were working non-stop.
The Jet Set nightclub, a Santo Domingo institution for nearly five decades, was known for its Monday night concerts featuring both national and international artists. The devastating collapse has left the Dominican Republic in mourning, grappling with the loss of so many lives, including beloved figures from the sporting and political spheres.