World Series Hero Among Dozens Missing After Tragic Nightclub Collapse in Santo Domingo

Night of music turns to horror as ceiling collapses during live show, leaving dozens injured and a baseball legend missing

A night that began with music, dancing, and celebration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when the ceiling of the popular Jet Set nightclub suddenly collapsed, killing at least 15 people and leaving scores more injured and unaccounted for—including retired World Series champion pitcher Octavio Dotel.

The shocking incident occurred just after midnight during a high-energy merengue performance by beloved singer Rubby Pérez. Witnesses described a terrifying scene as a portion of the ceiling gave way, sending concrete, lights, and debris crashing down onto a packed crowd of concertgoers.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene, with over 100 people transported to local hospitals. First responders remain on-site, working around the clock in a desperate search for survivors still trapped beneath the rubble.

🇩🇴 In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a singer was performing at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo when the venue's roof suddenly collapsed, resulting in 12 fatalities and at least 70 injuries. pic.twitter.com/cWzlCoV0EV

— The Global Beacon (@globalbeaconn) April 8, 2025

Video footage from inside the venue now circulating online, shows the initial confusion before disaster struck. “Something just fell from the ceiling, you see?” a man is heard saying in disbelief. In the background, a woman cries out for her father, as chaos erupts around them.

Among the confirmed fatalities is Nelsy Cruz, provincial governor of Montecristi and the sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz, President Luis Abinader confirmed Tuesday morning. Her tragic passing has sent ripples of grief throughout the country.

A separate emotional account from Zulinka Pérez, daughter of Rubby Pérez, highlighted the harrowing moments as debris rained down. Trapped beneath a backup singer and her husband, Zulinka recalled her partner’s words of love and sacrifice: “Get out so the child won’t be alone if I don’t make it.”

While the search for survivors continues, uncertainty looms over the fate of Octavio Dotel, a beloved figure in Dominican sports and a celebrated veteran of Major League Baseball. Authorities have listed him among those currently unaccounted for.

Juan Manuel Mendez, head of the Emergency Operations Center, expressed cautious hope. “We believe there are still lives to be saved,” he said. “We will not rest until every person is found.”

As the nation mourns and rescue teams dig tirelessly through the rubble, hearts remain heavy and prayers continue—for the victims, for the missing, and for the families forever changed by this unthinkable disaster.