98 dead in nightclub roof collapse in Dominican Republic
2 Min Read
Prominent Dominican figures, such as Merengue singer Rubby Perez and renowned baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel are among the victims.
-
Relatives of missing people embrace while waiting at the National Institute of Forensic Pathology after the roof collapsed at Jet Set nightclub during a merengue concert in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, April 8, 2025. (AP)
At least 98 people have died, as per a preliminary toll, when the roof of a popular nightclub in the Dominican Republic caved in and collapsed on Tuesday.
"The preliminary death toll has risen to 98," said the director of the Emergency Operations Center, Juan Manuel Mendez, as authorities and rescue teams resumed efforts following the disaster at the Jet Set nightclub.
Among the deceased were Dominican merengue singer Rubby Perez and 51-year-old retired MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, who was rescued alive but succumbed shortly after due to his injuries.
Local media reported that between 500 and 1,000 people were inside the club when tragedy struck shortly after 12:44 am local time. The venue can accommodate 700 seated guests and up to 1,000 standing.
Dozens of ambulances rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, while anxious crowds gathered outside the club, desperately awaiting news about their loved ones.
Eyewitnesses said Perez had been performing on stage when a blackout occurred and the roof suddenly collapsed. His daughter Zulinka told reporters she managed to escape the wreckage, but her father did not.
Also among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi municipality, according to President Luis Abinader.
The death toll, initially reported at 15, continued to climb throughout the day, reaching 79 by the evening, to a current 98.
Mendez affirmed that rescue operations would not cease "as long as there is hope for life."
Meanwhile, President Abinader visited the site and declared three days of national mourning.
Read more: Death toll of Dominican Republic explosion rises to 27
