Dominican Republic Roof Collapse: 66 Lives Lost in Nightclub Tragedy

Dominican Republic mourned a devastating loss on April 8, 2025, when a catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo claimed at least 66 lives, including a popular singer, a provincial governor, and former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel. The disaster, which injured 155 others, struck during a lively merengue concert, turning a night of celebration into one of the nation’s deadliest tragedies. As rescue efforts continue and families search for answers, this blog delves into the heart-wrenching details, the human toll, and the questions swirling around this shocking event.

Table of Contents

1. Dominican Republic Roof Collapse: The Night That Changed Everything
2. What Happened at Jet Set Nightclub?
3. The Victims: A Governor, a Singer, and an MLB Star
4. Rescue Efforts and the Race Against Time
5. Why Did the Roof Collapse? Early Theories
6. A Community in Mourning: Reactions and Tributes
7. What’s Next for Santo Domingo After the Disaster?

Dominican Republic Roof Collapse: The Night That Changed Everything

The Dominican Republic woke up to horror on April 8, 2025, after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo caved in at 12:44 a.m. local time. Over 300 people were inside, enjoying a performance by merengue legend Rubby Pérez, when the structure failed without warning. By Wednesday morning, April 9, the death toll had risen to at least 66, with fears it could climb higher as rescuers combed through the rubble. The collapse left 155 injured, many critically, overwhelming local hospitals.

This wasn’t just a building failure—it was a blow to the heart of a nation known for its vibrant nightlife and resilient spirit. The Jet Set, a 50-year-old Santo Domingo staple, had hosted countless Mondays of music and dance, making this tragedy all the more jarring.

What Happened at Jet Set Nightclub?

The Jet Set nightclub, located in the capital’s National District, was packed for its traditional Monday night event. Around 12:45 a.m., as Rubby Pérez sang, the roof gave way. Eyewitnesses described chaos: a sudden lurch, falling debris, and screams piercing the air. Video footage captured the moment pendant lights dropped before the entire ceiling crashed down, plunging the venue into darkness.

Emergency crews—over 400 strong—rushed to the scene, using cranes, drones, and dogs to search for survivors. “We’re hearing sounds,” said Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the Emergency Operations Center, as teams prioritized three areas of the wreckage. Nearly 12 hours later, they were still pulling people out, a testament to the scale of the disaster.

The Victims: A Governor, a Singer, and an MLB Star

The Dominican Republic roof collapse claimed a cross-section of society. Among the confirmed dead are:

• Rubby Pérez: The “highest voice in merengue,” whose performance was cut short by the collapse. His manager confirmed his death, a loss felt deeply in the music world.
• Nelsy Cruz: The Monte Cristi province governor and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, killed while trapped under debris. She reportedly called President Luis Abinader moments after the collapse.
• Octavio Dotel: A former MLB pitcher who played for 13 teams, including the Mets. Rescued alive, he succumbed to injuries en route to a hospital.

Other victims included a saxophonist from Pérez’s band and prominent figures like lawmaker Bray Vargas. The toll reflects Jet Set’s status as a hub for Santo Domingo’s elite and everyday revelers alike.

Rescue Efforts and the Race Against Time

As of April 9, 2025, rescue operations remain relentless. Heavy machinery lifts concrete slabs while firefighters drill through debris, guided by faint cries for help. President Abinader, who visited the site, pledged all government resources to the effort, declaring a three-day national mourning period. “We won’t stop until every person is accounted for,” Méndez vowed.

Over 120 ambulance trips ferried the injured to hospitals, where blood donation lines stretched long. Families gathered outside, clutching photos of loved ones—some, like Manuel Olivo Ortiz, still waiting for news of his missing son. The scene is one of desperation and hope, underscored by the community’s resolve.

Why Did the Roof Collapse? Early Theories

What caused the Dominican Republic roof collapse? Authorities haven’t pinpointed an answer yet, but speculation is rife. A 2023 fire had damaged part of Jet Set, raising questions about structural integrity. Was it poor maintenance, overcrowding, or an unforeseen flaw in the 50-year-old building? Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos said the focus remains on rescue, but an investigation will follow.

Survivors recalled no warning signs—just a sudden drop. One musician thought it was an earthquake. As the dust settles, experts will scrutinize construction records and recent inspections, though Jet Set’s management insists they’re cooperating fully with officials.

A Community in Mourning: Reactions and Tributes

The Dominican Republic is reeling. President Abinader called it a “tragedy we deeply regret,” while Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía activated a disaster response team, offering condolences. On X, posts mourned icons like Dotel and Pérez: “A night of joy turned to sorrow,” one user wrote. MLB teams, including the Mets, held moments of silence, honoring Dotel’s legacy.

Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo praised Nelsy Cruz as a “steadfast leader,” while artists like Wilfrido Vargas paid tribute to Pérez. In Washington Heights, New York’s Dominican diaspora held vigils, their grief echoing across borders. The Jet Set, once a symbol of celebration, now stands as a somber reminder of loss.

What’s Next for Santo Domingo After the Disaster?

The road ahead is uncertain. The Dominican Republic roof collapse is one of the nation’s worst recent tragedies, surpassing a 2023 explosion that killed 40. As rescue winds down, attention will shift to accountability—why did a beloved venue fail so catastrophically? Jet Set’s owners expressed “profound pain,” promising support for victims’ families.

For Santo Domingo, a city that welcomed 11 million tourists in 2024, this could dent its nightlife appeal. Yet, the Dominican spirit—forged in music and resilience—will likely shine through. For now, the focus is healing and honoring the 66 lives lost. Read more at Reuters.