Nightclub Roof Collapse in Dominican Republic Kills 27, Injures 130 Including MLB Pitcher

At least 27 people were killed and more than 130 injured when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed in Santo Domingo early Tuesday, local officials said. The Jet Set nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo occurred during a performance by Rubby Pérez, a renowned Dominican merengue singer known for hits like "Buscando Tus Besos."

Octavio Dotel, a former MLB pitcher who won a World Series and logged 36 saves in 2004 with the Astros and A's, was among those rescued from the rubble.

Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi and sister of MLB player Nelson Cruz, was confirmed dead in the incident, which also injured over 160 people.

The Jet Set nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (not Dominica, which is a different country), occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, during a concert by merengue singer Rubby Pérez. Based on the web search results provided, here’s what we know about the incident and the potential causes:

Key Details of the Incident

Location and Timing: The collapse happened at the Jet Set nightclub, a popular venue in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, known for hosting dance music concerts on Monday evenings (Web ID: 1).

Casualties and Injuries: At least 27 people were killed, including a governor (Nelsy Cruz of Montecristi province) and a saxophonist from Rubby Pérez’s band. Over 150 people were injured, with more than 138 hospital transfers reported (Web ID: 0, Web ID: 1, Web ID: 2).

Response: Rescue efforts involved heavy machinery, drones, and technical equipment, with officials working to free people from the rubble (Web ID: 0, Web ID: 2). A top emergency response official, Mendez, stated that they would not stop until the last person was found (Web ID: 0).

Cause of the Collapse

The aftermath of the Dominican nightclub roof collapse

Official Statements: The web results consistently state that the cause of the roof collapse is not yet clear (Web ID: 0, Web ID: 1). Investigations were ongoing as of the last updates on April 8, 2025.

Contextual Clues:

The collapse occurred during a concert that began shortly before midnight, with the roof giving way about an hour later (Web ID: 0). This suggests the event was in full swing, with a significant number of people inside, potentially putting stress on the structure.

Photos of the scene showed a severely damaged structure, with the roof in pieces, crumbling cement walls, and piles of debris (Web ID: 0), indicating a catastrophic failure of the building’s structural integrity.

Possible Contributing Factors (Speculative, as no definitive cause is provided):

Structural Issues: The Jet Set nightclub may have had pre-existing structural weaknesses, such as poor maintenance, aging materials, or design flaws. Many older buildings in urban areas, especially in regions prone to natural wear, can suffer from such issues if not regularly inspected or reinforced.

Overcrowding: The venue was hosting a popular concert, which likely drew a large crowd. Overcrowding can put excessive stress on a building’s infrastructure, especially if the roof was not designed to handle additional weight (e.g., from people, equipment, or vibrations from music and dancing).

Environmental Factors: The Dominican Republic is prone to natural phenomena like heavy rains, earthquakes, or hurricanes, which can weaken structures over time. While no specific weather event is mentioned in the results, prior environmental damage could have compromised the roof’s stability.

Human Error or Negligence: There could have been negligence in building maintenance, failure to adhere to safety codes, or unauthorized modifications to the structure that weakened it. For example, if the roof had been altered to accommodate concert equipment (e.g., lighting or sound systems), this might have contributed to the collapse.

External Factors: While less likely, external factors like an explosion, sabotage, or a minor seismic event cannot be ruled out without further investigation. However, the web results do not mention any such incidents.

Broader Context and Reactions

Official Response: Dominican President Luis Abinader and Minister of Culture Roberto Ángel Salcedo expressed condolences to the victims’ families (Web ID: 1, Web ID: 0). The scale of the tragedy prompted a significant emergency response, with ongoing search and rescue efforts.

Public Sentiment: The incident was described as a “terrible tragedy” by local officials, with calls for continued prayers for survivors (Web ID: 0). The loss of prominent figures like the governor and the saxophonist added to the national mourning.