At the very least 58 individuals died and 160 others had been injured within the Dominican capital early Tuesday when the roof collapsed at an iconic nightclub the place politicians, athletes and others had been attending a merengue live performance, authorities mentioned.
Crews had been trying to find potential survivors within the rubble on the one-story Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, mentioned Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Middle of Emergency Operations.
Practically 12 hours after the highest of the nightclub collapsed down onto patrons, rescue crews had been nonetheless pulling out survivors from the particles. On the scene, firefighters eliminated blocks of damaged concrete and sawed planks of wooden to make use of them as planks to elevate heavy particles because the noise of drills breaking by means of concrete stuffed the air.
An official with a megaphone stood outdoors the membership imploring the massive crowd that had gathered to seek for mates and kin to offer ambulances house.
At one hospital the place the injured had been taken, an official stood outdoors studying aloud the names of survivors as a crowd gathered round her and yelled out the names of their family members.
In the meantime, dozens of individuals gathered on the Nationwide Institute of Forensic Pathology, which projected photos of the victims so their family members may establish them.
As developments proceed, here’s what we all know up to now about a number of the victims.
RUBBY PÉREZ
Famend merengue singer Rubby Pérez was performing when the roof collapsed. His supervisor, Enrique Paulino, whose shirt was spattered with blood, advised reporters on the scene that the live performance started shortly earlier than midnight, with the roof collapsing virtually an hour later, killing the group’s saxophonist.
The singer was taken away injured following the collapse.
Hours later, shortly after 5:30 p.m. ET, sources confirmed to Alfredo Acosta, from our sister station Telemundo 47, that the singer handed away. No different info was offered.
Pérez was a beloved determine in merengue music and journey the world bringing his hits to his followers. The Friday earlier than the tragedy he had a scheduled look in Manhattan, a spot he regularly visited to carry out. One in all his final posts was inviting his followers to this scheduled look.
NELSY CRUZ
Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and sister of seven-time Main League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz, was among the many victims.
She had referred to as President Luis Abinader at 12:49 a.m. saying she was trapped and that the roof had collapsed, First Woman Raquel Abraje advised reporters.
Officers mentioned Cruz died later on the hospital.
The Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tradition, Roberto Ángel Salcedo, confirmed Cruz’s demise.
“I deeply regret the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi province, which occurred during the tragic event at the Jet Set nightclub. Her death is an irreparable loss for her community and the entire country. Nelsy was a committed public servant, a woman of firm leadership, and a staunch ally in initiatives aimed at strengthening our identity and development. I offer my condolences to her family, friends, and all the people of Montecristi; may the Almighty grant them the necessary strength in this painful moment. May her soul rest in peace,” mentioned Salcedo.
Lamento profundamente el fallecimiento de mi querida amiga y compañera, Nelsy Cruz, gobernadora de la provincia Montecristi, ocurrido en el trágico evento de la discoteca Jet Set.
Su muerte es una pérdida irreparable para su comunidad y para todo el país. Nelsy fue una servidora… pic.twitter.com/yGivBmrJeP
— Roberto Ángel Salcedo (@robertoangel02) April 8, 2025
OCTAVIO DOTEL
The Skilled Baseball League of the Dominican Republic posted on X that former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, age 51, died. Officers had earlier rescued Dotel from the particles and transported him to a hospital.
The nation’s sports activities minister Kelvin Cruz confirmed Dotel was among the many victims.
“We deeply regret the passing of former Major Leagues and Immortal of Dominican Sport, Octavio Dotel,” Cruz mentioned in a press release.
Dotel pitched for 13 groups, together with each the New York Mets and the Yankees, since his debut in 1999.
TONY BLANCO
Because the day progressed, the Ministry of Sports activities introduced the demise of one other former MLB participant: Tony Blanco.
“We deeply regret the passing of former Major League Baseball player Tony Blanco. His legacy will remain in the history of national baseball. We share his family, friends, and teammates’ grief and offer our prayers for his eternal rest. May his soul rest in peace,” learn the message from the Ministry of Sports activities posted on the social media platform X.
Lamentamos profundamente el fallecimiento del ex Grandes Ligas, Tony Blanco. Su legado quedará en la historia del béisbol nacional.
Acompañamos en su dolor a sus familiares, amigos y compañeros, y elevamos nuestras oraciones por su eterno descanso.
Paz a su alma 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/InZbetrpDV
— Ministerio Deportes (@miderec_rd) April 8, 2025
BRAY VARGAS
Bray Vargas, a younger politician, was initially reported as being among the many injured, nevertheless, he put these stories to relaxation by leaping on social media to guarantee all he was wonderful.
“I was not at the party,” Vargas mentioned partly in an Instagram publish. “I arrived 5 minutes after to help my friends and others in any way I could.”
It is a growing story.
