Tragic Nightclub Roof Collapse in Dominican Republic Claims Over 100 Lives, Including Prominent Figures

The Dominican Republic’s Santo Domingo Early on April 8, 2025, a terrible accident happened when the roof of the famous Jet Set bar fell during a live show. At least 113 people died and over 150 were hurt.

The incident happened during a concert by well-known merengue musician Rubby Pérez at 12:34 a.m. Witnesses reported that sections of the roof started to crumble about one hour into the incident, resulting in an instantaneous and total collapse. Among the well-known fatalities are

• Rubby Pérez 69-year-old, the noted merengue singer with hits like “Volveré” and “Buscando tus Besos.” Many really outstanding persons have passed away..” Pérez was performing when the tragedy struck. Initial reports suggested he was rescued alive; however, he later succumbed to his injuries.
• Octavio Dotel, 51, is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who played for 13 teams over a 15-year career, including the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals. Dotel was part of a combined no-hitter against the Yankees in 2003 and won a World Series with the Cardinals in 2011. He was rescued from the rubble but died en route to the hospital.
• Tony Blanco, 44, is another former MLB player who had stints with the Washington Nationals and played professionally in Japan and the Dominican Republic.
• Nelsy Cruz the leader of the county of Montecristi. She is Nelson Cruz’s sister, who used to play baseball. She was able to call President Luis Abinader just minutes before she died. The country was sad for three days.

Also read: Ole Miss Student Mary Kate Cornett Pursues Legal Action Against ESPN’s Pat McAfee Over Viral Affair Rumor

Emergency response teams, including the Dominican navy and fire service, were promptly dispatched to the scene. Rescue efforts went on all day, and officials said that more than 150 people were taken to nearby hospitals to get medical care.

There may have been more accidents because some paramedics were carrying more than one person at the same time. The cause of the fall is still being looked into. Notably, there was a fire at the Jet Set Club in 2023 after lightning struck a power plant, which made people worry about the building’s stability.

President Luis Abinader sent his condolences and reassured the people that all available resources were being used to help with rescue and recovery. “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub,” he said. “Our prayers are with the affected families.” To remember the people who died, the Dominican Republic has announced three days of national mourning.

Also read: Fortnite Downtime Today: Servers Temporarily Offline for Update 34.30 Featuring Sabrina Carpenter Collaboration

The country is still dealing with the deaths of important public and artistic figures and support from around the world is pouring in. While investigations are still going on, the public is asked to stay away from the area so that relief and recovery efforts can continue. The community is still grieving together and thinking about how this tragedy has changed the nation’s culture and society.