- A roof collapse in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has killed at least 113 people and injured over 155 during a merengue concert. About 300 people filled the venue when the roof fell.
- Rescue crews continue their search for survivors, with firefighters removing concrete and debris.
- The collapse killed several prominent names, including former MLB players and a local politician.
Full Story
Rescue crews in the Dominican Republic continue to search for survivors after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed Tuesday, April 8, during a merengue concert. Local authorities confirmed early Wednesday morning, April 9, that the collapse killed at least 113 people and injured more than 160 others.
Roughly 300 people were inside the Santo Domingo venue when the roof gave way. Video shared on social media showed lights swaying before the ceiling fell.
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the collapse. Emergency responders said they’re focusing on three priority zones where they believe victims may be trapped.
Casualties include former athletes, public officials
Among the victims were former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco, according to confirmations from the Dominican Sports Ministry and Major League Baseball. Dotel was reportedly rescued alive but died en route to a hospital. Blanco’s death was confirmed Tuesday morning.
Also killed was Nelsy Cruz, governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of All-Star player Nelson Cruz. According to AP reporting, she called President Luis Abinader shortly before her death to report she was trapped.
The incident occurred during a performance by merengue artist Rubby Pérez and his orchestra. Pérez’s manager confirmed that the singer was among those killed. The band’s manager confirmed that the group’s saxophonist also died.
Ongoing response and unanswered questions
More than 20 agencies have been involved in recovery operations, according to Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the country’s Emergency Operations Center. Rescue workers and firefighters spent the night removing debris and instructing crowds to remain quiet to listen for survivors.
The government established a temporary morgue nearby, and local hospitals received dozens of patients. Blood donation centers in Santo Domingo reported long wait times as residents rushed to help.
Abinader declared three days of national mourning and visited the site Tuesday with First Lady Raquel Arbaje. Officials from the Ministry of Public Works have not publicly commented on the building’s inspection history, and the nightclub’s ownership said it is cooperating with investigators.
Jet Set’s historic legacy
Jet Set, founded in 1973, is one of the Dominican Republic’s most well-known music venues. Known for its “Jet Set Mondays,” the nightclub has hosted performances by major local and international artists for decades. The building had undergone renovations in 2010 and 2015 and was reportedly struck by lightning in 2023, according to local newspaper Listín Diario.
Authorities have not said when rescue operations will conclude. Investigators are expected to release a preliminary report once the immediate search and recovery phase is complete.
Editor’s note: Straight Arrow News previously reported that the collapse resulted in the deaths of at least 98 people. Authorities updated that number to at least 113 on Wednesday morning, April 9.
