The Dominican Republic is reeling from a catastrophic tragedy after the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a live concert — claiming the lives of at least 113 people and injuring 155 others, ABC News reports.
The calamitous incident unfolded just after midnight at 12:34 A.M. on Tuesday (April 8), during a performance by beloved Dominican merengue singer Rubby Pérez. The collapse, described by police as happening “within seconds,” turned a night of celebration into a night of tragedy and unwanted memories.
Search-and-rescue teams were seen working around the clock in the rubble of the once-thriving music venue, as the nation’s emergency operations director, Gen. Juan Manuel Méndez, confirmed the devastating toll. Families could be seen clinging to hope as they gathered outside the ruins, desperately seeking word about their loved ones.
In a solemn message, Dominican President Luis Abinader addressed the nation’s grief. “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub,” he wrote on social media. “We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred. All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”
Among the deceased was Pérez and two former Major League Baseball players, Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. Dotel, 51, known for his 15-year career spanning 13 MLB teams including the Mets and Yankees, was pulled from the wreckage, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital—according to reports.
The Mets held a moment of silence in his honor and shared, “We mourn the passing of Octavio Dotel. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic.”
Blanco, 44, played for the Washington Nationals, as well as both Japanese and Dominican leagues. “His legacy will live on in the history of national baseball,” the Dominican Republic Ministry of Sports and Recreation said of Blanco. “We share in their grief with their family, friends, and colleagues, and we offer our prayers for their eternal rest.”
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MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr. reflected on the shared grief felt across the baseball community, stating, “Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the passings of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz, and all the victims of last night’s tragedy in Santo Domingo. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been affected and to our colleague Nelson and his entire family. The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic runs deep, and we are thinking of all the Dominican players and fans across the game today.”
Authorities have since launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse. Although they have yet to determine what caused the roof to cave in, it was revealed that the Jet Set had suffered fire damage in 2023.
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