A catastrophic roof collapse during a merengue concert at Santo Domingo’s Jet Set nightclub has claimed at least 18 lives, with many among those still unaccounted for. Eyewitnesses reported noticing issues with the ceiling shortly before the catastrophic failure, raising serious questions about building safety and venue regulations in the country. How are emergency responders managing to aid those still trapped?
Devastating Nightclub Collapse Traps Former MLB Pitcher
Former World Series champion Octavio Dotel was among dozens missing after a devastating roof collapse at the popular Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The collapse occurred Thursday night during a performance by merengue legend Rubby Pérez, sending hundreds of panicked concertgoers scrambling for safety as portions of the ceiling came crashing down.
Authorities have confirmed at least 18 deaths, including Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of former MLB player Nelson Cruz. President Luis Abinader personally confirmed Cruz’s death as rescue teams continue working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped beneath the concrete and debris.
🇩🇴 In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a singer was performing at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo when the venue's roof suddenly collapsed, resulting in 12 fatalities and at least 70 injuries. pic.twitter.com/cWzlCoV0EV
— The Global Beacon (@globalbeaconn) April 8, 2025
Performer Among the Injured as Daughter Recounts Escape
Rubby Pérez, the renowned 61-year-old merengue singer who was performing when the collapse occurred, was extracted from the rubble with serious injuries. His daughter, Zulinka Pérez, described the harrowing moments when her father urged her to leave the building moments before the complete collapse.
“He told me, ‘Babe, get out so the child won’t be alone if this whole thing falls down. I crawled out,” Zulinka recounted to local media after the incident. The performer remains among the 121 people hospitalized across Santo Domingo, with many survivors suffering from crush injuries and trauma.
DEVELOPING: Major roof collapse at night club in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, leaves at least a dozen dead, scores injured.
Photo Credit: El Nuevo Diario pic.twitter.com/n0NrQaSNTG
— Breaking 4 News (@Breaking_4_News) April 8, 2025
Rescue Efforts Continue as Warning Signs Emerge
Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Emergency Operations Center, emphasized that rescue personnel will not abandon their mission until everyone is accounted for. “That is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble,” Mendez stated, noting the nightclub’s capacity was approximately 1,000 people.
Eyewitness accounts suggest there may have been warning signs before the catastrophic failure. At least one clubgoer reported noticing problems with the ceiling before it gave way, raising serious questions about building safety standards and enforcement in the popular entertainment district.
First responders are working under difficult conditions, with some paramedics administering intravenous fluids to trapped victims while extraction efforts continue. The disaster has sparked calls for an immediate investigation into building code enforcement and emergency preparedness at entertainment venues throughout the Dominican Republic.