What Happened At the Dominican Night Club? Jet Set Collapse

The Dominican Republic is mourning the loss of many of its citizens after a tragic event struck in the early hours of April 8, 2025, around 1 a.m. What began as a fun night out at a popular nightclub quickly turned into an unforgettable tragedy, with more than 100 people losing their lives.

President Luis Abinader addressed the nation via Twitter, stating, “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred. All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.”

As families and friends grieve the loss of their loved ones, here’s what we know about what happened that night at the Jet Set nightclub.

At least 44 people died and more than 100 were being treated for injuries after a roof collapsed at a nightclub in the capital of the Dominican Republic early Tuesday, authorities said.

Crews were searching for potential survivors in the rubble and teams were still working to… pic.twitter.com/NEReq11FcF

— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 8, 2025

What Happened at the Jet Set Nightclub in the Dominican Republic?

In the early morning hours of April 8, the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed during a performance by merengue artist Rubby Pérez, killing numerous attendees. Several videos circulating online captured the moment the ceiling gave way. In one clip, a witness remarked, “Something fell from the ceiling,” according to BBC News.

While many were killed, others remain missing. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center, told CNN, “We’re going to search tirelessly for people.”

How Did the Jet Set Nightclub Roof Collapse?

Officials have not yet revealed the cause behind the collapse.

Which Celebrities Died in the Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse?

Among those who tragically lost their lives were several well-known figures. Confirmed fatalities included Rubby Pérez, former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, and Nelsy Cruz — sister of baseball star Nelson Cruz and governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi.

Tributes have poured in from across the globe. Major League Baseball honored Octavio and Tony in a tribute post, highlighting their contributions to the league. Rubby Pérez’s team also released a statement on Instagram, reading, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Rubby Pérez. We sincerely appreciate all the love, support, and solidarity we have received from his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. His musical and personal legacy will live forever in our hearts.”