The death toll has risen to 221 following a devastating roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on April 8, 2025, with rescue efforts officially ending after 53 hours of nonstop search. Among the victims was renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing on stage when the disaster occurred.
The collapse happened during a crowded event at the popular venue, which was built over 50 years ago was converted from a cinema into a music venue with a capacity of approximately 1700 people. Most of the deceased died instantly from traumatic head injuries as the ceiling fell on them, according to emergency officials.
Authorities have identified 146 of the victims, which include several prominent Dominicans alongside Pérez. Former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco were among those killed, as well as Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz.
Rescue efforts saved 189 people, but many others were injured, some critically. More than 400 rescuers, including over 300 firefighters, worked tirelessly at the site, with giant cranes removing pieces of the concrete roof as they searched for survivors.
“Everything fell on him, and I didn’t see him again — everything happened so fast,” said Zulinka Pérez, the daughter and bandmate of Rubby Pérez, who was on stage with her father when the incident occurred and survived the collapse.
The Dominican government has declared an extended period of mourning and announced that a team of national and international experts will conduct a technical study to understand what caused the collapse and determine the next steps regarding justice.
The rescue efforts have been challenging. Rescue workers describe the harrowing experience of hearing trapped people screaming for help.
Rubby Pérez, 69, known as “the highest voice in merengue,” had a long and successful career in the Dominican music industry. Born in 1956, he initially aspired to be a baseball player but turned to music after a car accident. His musical journey began in the 1970s, and he later joined Wilfrido Vargas’ orchestra in 1989, which helped launch his solo career in 1987.
Pérez was known for his powerful merengue songs, such as “Volveré,” “El Africano,” and “Tu Vas a Volar.” His albums achieved gold and platinum status in Venezuela, and he was honored with awards such as Orchestra and Merengue of the Year at the Soberano Awards, the Dominican music awards.
He released his latest album, “Hecho Esta,” in 2022 and had performed in New York City before returning to the Dominican Republic for his final performance at the Jet Set club.
Following the news of his death, Wilfrido Vargas released a statement, praising Pérez as a “symbol of courage, passion, and artistic excellence.”
Octavio Dotel, a native of Santo Domingo, played for 13 MLB teams over 15 seasons and won a World Series championship with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. Tony Blanco, also known as Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, was a first—and third-baseman and outfielder who played minor league baseball in the United States for eight years and made the MLB with the Washington Nationals in 2005.
The Jet Set Club, once a bustling center for nightlife and an iconic venue that kept merengue traditions alive, has been reduced to rubble. Witnesses reported seeing dust falling from the ceiling moments before the roof caved in during the concert.
Hundreds of heartbroken families showed up at the disaster site, hoping to find their missing loved ones as rescue operations continued. The site, which once hosted celebrations, became the center of one of the Caribbean country’s deadliest tragedies.
A public funeral service for Rubby Pérez was held in Santo Domingo, with his body laid in the country’s national theater for a public wake and memorial, allowing his grieving fans to pay their respects. Throughout the week, funerals and wakes have been held for the victims, with large crowds mourning the loss of life.
Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the disaster, promising a thorough inquiry. The expert commission formed to investigate will include national and international specialists to determine why the structure failed so catastrophically.
