Devastation in the Dominican Republic: Roof Collapse at Nightclub Claims 79 Lives Including MLB Legends
What started as a night of celebration and dancing at the legendary Jet Set Club in Santo Domingo turned into a scene of chaos, heartbreak, and national mourning. A tragic roof collapse at the popular nightclub early Tuesday has now left at least 79 people dead and over 160 others injured, according to local reports. The event has shaken the entire Dominican Republic — and the sports world — as former MLB stars Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco were among those who tragically lost their lives.
🎤 A Night of Music Turns into a Nightmare
The Jet Set Club, a long-standing and well-known venue for live music in the capital city, was hosting a performance by famed merengue singer Rubby Pérez, a staple in Dominican music culture. The 69-year-old singer was entertaining a packed house when disaster struck. A chilling video shared online captured a concertgoer pointing to the ceiling moments before it gave way. “Something fell,” he says — and within seconds, the roof collapsed entirely, plunging the video into darkness.
Sadly, Rubby Pérez himself was among those killed in the collapse. His death has sent shockwaves through the Dominican music scene and among his fans across Latin America.
"Last night a tragedy occurred that has struck deeply in the hearts of all of us who are part of Jet Set and all Dominicans," the club's ownership team wrote in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). "The loss of human life leaves one in a state of deep sorrow and dismay. We are cooperating fully and transparently with the relevant authorities to assist the victims and clarify what happened."
⚾ Remembering Octavio Dotel: A Baseball Giant Gone Too Soon
One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of this catastrophe is the loss of Octavio Dotel, a 15-year Major League Baseball veteran, World Series champion, and beloved Dominican sports icon. Dotel, 51, was pulled from the rubble by first responders but sadly died en route to the hospital due to the severity of his injuries.
“Dotel was taken to one of the designated hospitals. On the way there, his condition worsened and he died,” confirmed Diego Pesqueira, a spokesman for the Dominican National Police.
Dotel’s baseball journey began in 1999 when he joined the New York Mets as a promising young pitcher. Over the years, he carved out a reputation as one of the league’s top relief pitchers, with a fastball that intimidated batters and a poise that won him fans on and off the field.
The Mets paid tribute on Tuesday, saying:
“We mourn the passing of Octavio Dotel. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic.”
🔥 Career Highlights of a Legend
Dotel played for several major league teams, including the Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, and the St. Louis Cardinals — with whom he clinched the 2011 World Series title. One of his most unforgettable career moments came in 2003, when he was part of the Astros bullpen that threw a combined no-hitter against the Yankees, a historic moment in baseball.
The Houston Astros shared their heartbreak in a statement:
“We are heartbroken to learn the tragic news that former Astros pitcher Octavio Dotel was one of several individuals that passed away... While in Houston, he was one of the top relievers in all of baseball.”
The St. Louis Cardinals echoed similar sentiments:
“Dotel was part of our 2011 World Series championship team after being acquired at the trade deadline. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Octavio’s loved ones and to all impacted by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic.”
💔 Another Baseball Life Lost: Tony Blanco
Also killed in the collapse was Tony Blanco, a 43-year-old former MLB player who spent most of his career in the minor leagues but had his moment in the spotlight in 2005 with the Washington Nationals. Blanco played 56 games during that inaugural season, even participating in the very first game in the franchise's history.
Major League Baseball paid their respects via a statement on X:
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic death of former major leaguer Tony Blanco… Our hearts are with his family and all who are suffering through this unimaginable tragedy.”
🇩🇴 Grief at the National Level
The loss extended far beyond the realm of music and sports. Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the Monte Cristi province and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, also perished in the collapse. President Luis Abinador confirmed her death in a public address, and Nelson Cruz shared the heartbreaking news in an Instagram story.
This tragedy has deeply impacted people from all walks of life — politicians, artists, athletes, and everyday citizens — underlining just how far-reaching this disaster truly is.
⚠️ Rescue Efforts Continue – Death Toll May Rise
Emergency crews have worked tirelessly around the clock to search for survivors under the debris. Officials fear the death toll could climb even higher, as several people remain unaccounted for.
“It’s a race against time,” one rescuer told local news. “There are still voices beneath the rubble.”
Medical teams have been dispatched to area hospitals, and the government has set up crisis response centers to support families of the victims. Donations of blood, medical supplies, and food are pouring in from across the nation.
🏢 The Collapse: What Went Wrong?
Though the cause of the roof collapse hasn’t been officially determined, early speculation suggests structural failure possibly linked to recent heavy rains or overcapacity during the event. Authorities have launched a full investigation, with building inspectors and forensic engineers examining the remains of the club.
“We owe it to the victims to find out what really happened,” said one official during a press briefing. “We will not rest until we understand the cause of this terrible incident.”
🙏 A Nation in Mourning — But Not Alone
Across the Dominican Republic and beyond, tributes continue to pour in. Memorials have been set up in front of the Jet Set Club, where flowers, candles, and notes of remembrance grow by the hour. Dominican flags hang at half-staff as the country enters a period of official mourning.
From fellow athletes to music legends and political leaders, the sense of loss is shared across borders.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
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At least 79 people died when the roof of Jet Set Club in Santo Domingo collapsed during a live concert.
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Among the victims were former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, MLB player Tony Blanco, and merengue singer Rubby Pérez.
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160+ injured, with search-and-rescue operations ongoing.
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The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.
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Nationwide mourning, with global condolences pouring in from the sports and music communities.
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