Rescue operations continued into Wednesday following a catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, which claimed at least 98 lives, including iconic merengue singer Rubby Perez and former Major League Baseball star Octavio Dotel.
The popular venue in the capital, Santo Domingo, was packed with hundreds of revelers when the roof gave way shortly after midnight on Tuesday, during a live performance by Perez. Eyewitnesses said the collapse was preceded by a sudden blackout.
Perez, who was performing on stage at the time, was among those killed. His daughter, Zulinka, confirmed she managed to escape, but her father did not survive. His manager, Enrique Paulino, said funeral arrangements are pending as the family seeks consensus.
Also among the victims was 51-year-old retired MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, who was rescued from the debris but later died from his injuries en route to the hospital. Tributes have poured in, including a somber moment at Citi Field in New York, where his image and the Dominican flag were displayed before a Mets game.
President Luis Abinader, who visited the site, confirmed that Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi, was also among the deceased. The president declared three days of national mourning.
Emergency officials said as many as 1,000 people may have been inside the club at the time—far beyond its seated capacity of 700. The initial death toll began at 15 but continued to climb throughout Tuesday, reaching 98 by early Wednesday, according to Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Emergency Operations Center.
Rescue teams, numbering over 370 personnel, worked tirelessly to sift through mounds of rubble, twisted steel, and collapsed roofing. Helicopter footage showed the extent of the damage, with a gaping hole where the roof once stood. A crane and heavy machinery were brought in to assist in lifting debris.
“We are still hoping to find survivors, and all efforts will continue as long as there is hope,” Mendez said.
Dozens of ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals, while anxious families gathered outside, seeking word on loved ones. Regina del Rosa, whose sister was in the crowd, expressed frustration over the lack of information: “They are not telling us anything. We are desperate.”
Survivors described moments of sheer terror. “Dirt began falling like dust into our drinks,” said Iris Pena, who attended the concert with her son. “Then a stone cracked the table, and we fled. It felt like a tsunami or earthquake.”
Authorities have urged the public to donate blood, as hospitals remain overwhelmed by the scale of the tragedy.
Jet Set, a well-known venue with a history spanning over five decades, hosted live performances every Monday. Its final social media post had invited fans to enjoy Rubby Perez’s greatest hits.
In a statement on Tuesday, the nightclub said it was cooperating “fully and transparently” with authorities as investigations begin into what caused the deadly collapse.
The tragedy comes as the Dominican Republic continues to promote itself as a prime Caribbean destination, having welcomed over 11 million tourists in 2024. Tourism remains a vital part of the nation’s economy, accounting for roughly 15% of GDP.
The incident has cast a shadow over the country’s vibrant music and nightlife scene, as citizens and fans around the world mourn the loss of two national icons and dozens of others.