Nightclub Collapse Leaves 200+ Dead, Officials End Rescue Work [WATCH]

The death toll from the collapse of the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican capital rose to 221 by Thursday, following a deadly incident that began just after midnight on Tuesday, as Breitbart reported.

According to officials, at least 155 people were injured, and emergency crews have pulled 189 survivors from the wreckage.

Nightclub roof collapse kills hundreds in Dominican Republic https://t.co/qbqLQvmZ3r

— Angelos Papadopoulos (@angelohrg) April 11, 2025

Elon Musk Called This Financial News ‘Terrifying’

Authorities said the likelihood of finding additional survivors was extremely low. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Director Juan Manuel Mendez announced on Thursday morning that the search for survivors had officially ended after 33 hours of rescue efforts.

“Today we conclude the most difficult work in my 20 years as the head of the EOC.”

The incident occurred during a live performance by 69-year-old merengue singer Rubby Perez.

FREE Concealed Carry Gun Laws & Reciprocity Map

The Jet Set nightclub was reportedly at full capacity when the building’s roof suddenly collapsed, giving attendees little time to react. Perez was among the fatalities. Witnesses likened the collapse to an earthquake.

Santo Domingo Nightclub Tragedy: 124 Dead, Including Merengue Star Rubby Pérez and MLB Legends.
️ ️
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — A roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub early Tuesday killed at least 124 people and injured over 250 during a merengue concert,… pic.twitter.com/7mLPRNqZnD

— JAS (@JasADRxquisites) April 9, 2025

The cause of the structural failure remains under investigation. While search teams from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Israel focused on locating survivors, officials confirmed that the nightclub had undergone renovations in 2010 and 2015.

The structure was also struck by lightning in 2023, though it remains unclear when it was last inspected.

221 de@ths have been confirmed so far following Night club roof collapse in Dominican Republic pic.twitter.com/xmg1Ar0a0T

— REMEDY BLOG (@remedy_blog) April 11, 2025

The nightclub, a popular venue since 1973, had become known for its “Jet Set Mondays,” which featured regular merengue performances. The building that collapsed was not the club’s original location.

Among the dead were several high-profile individuals, including former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel, 51, and Tony Blanco, 44. Dotel was initially rescued from the debris but died while en route to the hospital.

Also among the victims was Nelsy Milagros Cruz Martinez, governor of Monte Cristi and sister of MLB player Nelson Cruz. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Jr. said the league was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been affected. The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic runs deep.”

Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez reported that members of his family were among the missing.

Jet Set nightclub owner Antonio Espaillat, who was out of the country at the time of the incident, returned to the Dominican Republic and pledged to work with authorities.

“Everything we do now, every decision, every step, has one purpose: to live up to your pain and be with you.”

President Luis Abinader also expressed condolences, stating:

“All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that one U.S. citizen was among the victims, along with an unspecified number of legal permanent residents.

“The U.S. stands ready to support our Dominican allies amid this difficult time.”

American Made Patriotic Apparel – Save 15% with Promo Code MERICA

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.