Over 60 dead, 160 injured in Dominican Republic nightclub roof collapse

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic. A festive night turned into horror when the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican capital collapsed early Tuesday during a merengue concert, killing at least 66 people and injuring more than 160, according to authorities.

The disaster occurred just before 1:00 a.m. at the one-story venue packed with attendees, including politicians, athletes, and music fans. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, confirmed the rising death toll and said rescue crews worked through the day searching for survivors.

“We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble,” Méndez said.

More than 12 hours after the collapse, rescuers were still combing through the debris, using drills, saws, and makeshift wooden planks to reach people trapped beneath the wreckage.

Politicians and Celebrities Among the Victims

Among the deceased was Nelsy Cruz, governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and sister of Major League Baseball star Nelson Cruz. According to First Lady Raquel Abraje, Nelsy Cruz called President Luis Abinader at 12:49 a.m., saying she was trapped and the roof had collapsed. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

“This is too great a tragedy,” said Abraje, her voice breaking during a press briefing.

The Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic confirmed the deaths of two prominent athletes: Octavio Dotel, a 51-year-old former MLB pitcher, and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, a Dominican baseball player. League spokesman Satosky Terrero said both were inside the club when it collapsed.

Bray Vargas, a national lawmaker, was among those injured.

Merengue Star Missing, Band Member Killed

Merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the roof caved in, was initially thought to have survived. But later on Tuesday, Méndez said that rescue crews were still searching for him.

Pérez’s manager, Enrique Paulino, who emerged bloodied from the scene, said the show started shortly before midnight. The collapse occurred nearly an hour later, killing the band’s saxophonist.

“It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner,” Paulino recalled. “At first, I thought it was an earthquake.”

Cause of Collapse Still Unknown

Authorities have not yet determined what caused the collapse or when the building was last inspected. The nightclub issued a statement expressing its condolences and cooperation with investigators. The club’s owner, Antonio Espaillat, who was abroad at the time, returned to the country Tuesday night.

“There are no words to express the pain this event has caused. What happened has been devastating for everyone,” Espaillat said.

A Nation in Mourning

As the search continued, a makeshift morgue was set up near the nightclub, and more than 120 people lined up at various blood banks to donate. Officials at hospitals read aloud the names of survivors to anxious crowds gathered outside, while loved ones waited at the National Institute of Forensic Pathology to identify the dead.

Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son attended the concert, stood outside the club in anguish:
“We’re holding on only to God,” he said.

Massiel Cuevas, godmother of 22-year-old Darlenys Batista, expressed determination:
“I’m waiting for her. She’s in there, I know she’s in there.”

Presidential Response

President Luis Abinader visited the site Tuesday afternoon and offered comfort to those awaiting news.
“We have faith in God that we will rescue even more people alive,” he told reporters.
He also posted on X:
“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred.”

As of Tuesday evening, officials said the rescue efforts would continue through the night, with priority given to three key areas where “we’re hearing some sounds,” according to Méndez.