Former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco die in tragic accident as roof collapses in Dominican Republic nightclub

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the roof collapsed in the Jet Set night club in the Dominican Republic’s capital city Santo Domingo, killing at least 113 people. There were at least 300 people in the club at the time, and at least 155 have been transferred to hospitals, according to director of the Emergency Operations Center Juan Manuel Méndez.

The Jet Set nightclub is one of the most famous in the country, and the musical performances on Monday nights are usually well-attended. Merengue artist Rubby Pérez and his orchestra were performing on stage when the roof caved in at around 1 a.m. Perez’s daughter told the media that her father survived after rescue workers found him still singing underneath the rubble.

Search efforts still ongoing after nightclub roof collapsed

Efforts to find survivors under the rubble are still ongoing. While others were rushed to the hospital, family members gathered at the scene to share photos of their relatives who were inside at the time of the collapse.

Disturbing videos show the inside of the nightclub at the moment the roof collapsed. Moments before, someone near the stage can be seen pointing at something that had fallen. It’s not long before the lights suspended from the ceiling collapse along with the entire roof, while screams and crashing noises are heard in the background before the video cuts to black.

Aerial footage from news outlets show the venue with a huge hole in the middle, where the 300+ people were standing when the collapse occurred.

It is still unknown what caused the roof to collapse.

Former MLB players among those killed

Among those killed in the tragic accident were former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel (51 years old) and Tony Blanco (44). Dotel was still alive when he was rescued from the rubble, but died on the way to the hospital.

“We share in their grief with their family, friends, and colleagues, and we offer our prayers for their eternal rest,” said the Dominican Sports Ministry of Blanco.

Also among those killed was Nelsy Cruz, governor of the Monte Cristi province, according to Dominican President Luis Abinader. Cruz was MLB star Nelson Cruz’s sister. Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella’s son is among those still missing.

“Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the passings of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz, and all the victims of last night’s tragedy in Santo Domingo,” MLB Commissioner of Baseball Robert Manfred Jr. said in a statement. “We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been affected and to our colleague Nelson and his entire family. The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic runs deep, and we are thinking of all the Dominican players and fans across the game today.”

President declares days of mourning

Abinader traveled to the scene with his wife, First Lady Raquel Arbaje, and they expressed their condolences for the victims. Abinader has now officially declared three days of mourning

“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub,” Abinader wrote on X. “All rescue agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”

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