Tragedy Strikes Dominican Republic as Nightclub Roof Collapse Claims Multiple Lives

A devastating nightclub incident in Santo Domingo highlights urgent safety concerns and claims the lives of several prominent figures.

A catastrophic incident at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has left at least 79 people dead and over 150 injured following a roof collapse during a concert on Tuesday morning. Those killed include former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel, who tragically succumbed to injuries en route to a hospital, and Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the Monte Cristi province.

The roof collapse occurred during a performance by renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was also reported to be trapped under the rubble alongside numerous concert-goers. As emergency responders—including 400 rescue workers—continue their search for survivors, officials have voiced concerns that the death toll may rise further as they uncover more victims beneath the wreckage.

Eyewitness accounts recount the chaos that ensued during the incident. Video footage captured by patrons reveals a lively atmosphere with attendees dancing and enjoying the music moments before the disaster struck. An alarming recording surfaced that shows confusion and panic as concert-goers react to an ominous noise from the ceiling just before the collapse. "I thought it was an earthquake," remarked a band member who witnessed the event unfold.

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has extended his condolences to the families affected by this horrific event. The nightclub, which regularly hosts dance music events, now serves as a stark reminder of the underlying safety issues that often come to light after tragedies like this one. As the community mourns the loss of life, questions about building codes and safety inspections are expected to surface in the wake of this disaster.