Tragic Incident: Ex-Blue Jays pitcher among at least 58 killed in nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic…
A tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of April 8, 2025, when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed during a merengue concert. The disaster resulted in at least 58 fatalities and over 160 injuries. Among the deceased were former Major League Baseball (MLB) players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, both of whom had notable careers in professional baseball.
Octavio Dotel, a Dominican-born pitcher, had an extensive MLB career spanning 15 seasons. He played for 13 different teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011. During his tenure with the Blue Jays, Dotel was known for his role as a reliable reliever. His career highlights include winning a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. Dotel was respected both on and off the field and was considered a mentor to younger players during the latter part of his career.
Tony Blanco, aged 43 at the time of his passing, also played in the major leagues and was the father of Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Tony Blanco Jr. Blanco had a brief stint in MLB with the Washington Nationals in 2005. He later continued his professional baseball journey in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league and the Dominican Winter League before retiring. Blanco was beloved in his community for his continued involvement in youth sports and player development.
The Jet Set nightclub was a renowned venue in Santo Domingo, celebrated for its live music events, particularly its Monday night merengue concerts. On the night of the collapse, the club was hosting a performance by famed merengue singer Rubby Pérez. A video circulating on social media captured moments before the disaster, showing Pérez performing on stage as sections of the roof began to give way. Pérez survived the collapse, though his saxophonist was among those killed.
The cause of the roof collapse remains under investigation. Jet Set had been in operation since 1973 and underwent renovations in 2010 and 2015. Notably, the building was struck by lightning in 2023. Authorities have yet to determine whether structural issues or a lack of recent inspections contributed to the disaster. Rescue efforts continued for more than 12 hours after the collapse, with officials prioritizing the search for survivors amid the rubble.
In response to the tragedy, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader visited the site, offering support and urging faith in the ongoing rescue mission. He declared three days of national mourning and praised the efforts of emergency teams working tirelessly at the scene. The U.S. embassy also extended condolences and expressed solidarity with the Dominican people during this difficult time.
The loss of Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco has deeply affected the baseball community, both in the Dominican Republic and internationally. Their contributions to the sport and their respective teams are remembered fondly by fans and colleagues alike. As investigations continue into the cause of the collapse, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring such a tragedy does not recur.
The incident has reignited conversations around infrastructure safety and building inspections, particularly in public venues that host large gatherings. For now, the Dominican Republic mourns the loss of beloved public figures, entertainers, and everyday citizens whose lives were cut short in one of the country’s most shocking disasters in recent memory.
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