Dominican Republic Nightclub Tragedy: Roof Collapse Kills Dozens, Including MLB Legend Octavio Dotel
A devastating incident in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has left at least 58 people dead following a catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub. The tragedy occurred during a concert by Dominican merengue singer Rubby Pérez, sending shockwaves through the nation and the international baseball community.
The collapse, which took place at approximately 12:34 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, resulted in chaos as the roof caved in within seconds. Rescue workers immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation amidst the rubble, while at least 160 injured individuals were rushed to hospitals.
Among the deceased was Octavio Dotel, a former MLB pitcher who played for 13 different teams throughout his career. The news of his passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from the baseball world. The New York Mets, one of Dotel's former teams, held a moment of silence in his honor before their game on Tuesday.
We mourn the passing of Octavio Dotel," the Mets said in a social media . "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy in the Dominican Republic."
Another former MLB player, Tony Blanco, also lost his life in the collapse. Blanco played for the Washington Nationals and had a successful career in Japan and the Dominican Republic.
"His legacy will live on in the history of national baseball," the ministry said in a statement on social media. "We share in their grief with their family, friends, and colleagues, and we offer our prayers for their eternal rest."
Adding to the tragedy, Montecristi Gov. Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martinez, sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz, was also among the victims.
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader expressed his condolences and assured the public that all necessary resources were being deployed to aid in the rescue efforts.
"We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub," Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said in a post on social media. "We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred. All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families."
Major League Baseball Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr. also released a statement expressing the league's sorrow and condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
The cause of the roof collapse is currently under investigation. Authorities have revealed that a fire in 2023 had previously damaged part of the nightclub.