A nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic collapses mid-performance, killing nearly 100 and injuring over 160, the National Emergency System declares.

The roof of the club Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed on the night of April 8, 2025, during a live concert by Dominican Legendary merengue artist Rubby Pérez, who was also tragically killed in the incident.

According to Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations System Center, “We continue clearing debris and searching for people, we are going to search tirelessly for people.”

The cause of the collapse is not yet known, he said

Among the victims were several high-profile individuals, including former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, and Nelsy Cruz, the Governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz. Their deaths have sent shockwaves throughout the sports and political communities, amplifying the nation’s grief.

The Dominican Republic President, Luis Abinader has declared three days of mourning following the disaster. He traveled to the nightclub later Tuesday morning with his wife, First Lady Raquel Arbaje, to express their condolences to the victims.

Abinader expressed his condolences on a post on X, he said “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub, all rescue agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”

The Jet Set nightclub is one of the Caribbean nation’s most famous venues, and its Monday night events are especially well attended