This article was updated on May 2, 2025, as seven additional people have died in hospitals since this article was originally written. This update is reflected in the image below.
By Emmanuel Espinal
translated by Nelson Santana
May 2, 2025
In the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, the roof of Jet Set Club in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed, becoming the most catastrophic non-natural disaster in the country's history. The tragedy claimed 226 lives—221 at the scene and 5 who were rescued but later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital as of this writing. Rescue teams managed to save 189 people from beneath the rubble. The weight of this collapse has fallen not only on those who were simply trying to enjoy a night of dancing but on an entire nation now plunged into mourning. The impact was so profound that President Abinader initially declared three days of national mourning to honor the victims, later extending it for three additional days. As media representatives and as Dominicans, we join our fellow citizens in this time of national grief and extend our deepest condolences to the victims' families.
Preliminary investigations suggest the roof collapse resulted from maintenance negligence and structural deterioration, exacerbated by the excessive weight it was supporting, including compressors, air conditioning units, and water tanks. Regardless of the official investigation's findings, this tragedy must mark a turning point on several fronts: there must be serious consequences for all responsible parties, from property owners to inspectors and authorities. Furthermore, this disaster should catalyze a complete reform of the country's construction system to eliminate industry corruption and establish a thoroughly renewed inspection system with stronger regulations, meaningful fines, and strict enforcement measures. The time has come for the government to take decisive action to ensure public safety and protect Dominican citizens' lives.
Among the 226 victims were numerous prominent figures from across Dominican society. Those present included artistic personalities like Rubby Pérez, who was performing that night; political figures such as Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi; athletes including Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco; members of the financial sector represented by several members of the Grullón family; and the fashion industry represented by designer Martín Polanco. Below, we highlight some of their stories in this tragedy that claimed their lives so unexpectedly.
The Highest Voice of Merengue Falls Silent
It is often said that for an artist, dying on stage would be a privilege—almost ideal—as they would pass away doing what they love most. Such was the fate of Rubby Pérez, who, according to his daughter Zulinka's account, was struck by a falling wall during his performance. With that devastating blow, "the highest voice of merengue" was forever silenced. His death has left a country heartbroken, along with generations who grew up, fell in love, and danced to his songs. Rubby Pérez's incomparable voice, with its exceptional range and tone, continues to evoke special memories for his followers—memories now tinged with profound emotion at his passing.
Yet Rubby left us doing what he loved most—what he himself described as his God-given purpose. He departed as a hero, saving two lives that night: his daughter's, by pulling her away from the microphone where the wall fell, and Krency Garcia "El Prodigio," who avoided the tragedy because Rubby had changed his performance date. El Prodigio himself explained this to Univision 47 when interviewed alongside La Vieja Fefa at the wake held in the National Theater. Both recounted how, because El Prodigio forgot to instruct his secretary to confirm the date with the promoter, he was not scheduled to perform that fateful night.
Even Under the Rubble, Nelsy Cruz Demonstrated Her Altruism and Leadership
Another victim of the tragedy was Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi and sister of retired baseball player Nelson Cruz. Her father, Nelson Cruz Sr., recounts that despite being trapped under rubble and severely injured, his daughter Nelsy had the presence of mind to first call President Abinader to activate rescue protocols. This act exemplifies her selflessness and leadership as a public servant and was instrumental in mobilizing government rescue teams to the disaster site. She then called her parents and brother in what would be her final communication, as she did not survive the catastrophe.
Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco: Two Major League Baseball Players Lost in the Collapse
All who knew Octavio Dotel speak of the cheerful charisma that defined him. The retired pitcher was among the 226 who perished that night, and news of his death left an enormous void, as he was deeply beloved by many. Octavio Dotel is survived by his wife and two children.
Similarly present were baseball players Tony Blanco Sr. and Esteban Germán, friends and former teammates who were enjoying the evening together. Tony Blanco died heroically after saving Esteban Germán's life. In an interview with ESPN's Héctor Gómez, Germán recounted how, while returning to their table after visiting the restroom, Blanco pushed him out of harm's way upon seeing part of the roof about to collapse above them. Blanco was a former Washington Nationals player who made his debut in 2005—the team's inaugural year after relocating from Montreal to the U.S. capital. He was the father of Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Tony Blanco Jr.
The Dominican Fashion World Loses One of Its Luminaries
Among the many who perished at Jet Set was renowned fashion designer Martín Polanco. The visionary responsible for elevating the guayabera and introducing it to European fashion by infusing it with sophisticated design elements was at the nightclub when the roof collapsed, claiming his life along with so many others.