DR Rooftop Collapse

A roof collapse at a music venue in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, killed at least 98 people and injured more than 160 others early Tuesday. Authorities have not yet weighed in on the cause of the tragedy, which killed provincial governor Nelsy Cruz, sister of former MLB power hitter Nelson Cruz, as well as the performer Rubby Pérez and his saxophonist. 

The roof of the Jet Set music venue fell while merengue musician Pérez was performing shortly after midnight (see video of aftermath, via X). An estimated 500 people were in attendance at one of the country’s most famous clubs, which is well known for its Monday shows. President Luis Abinader received a call from Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern Montecristi province, while she was trapped (she later died at a hospital). Rescuers continued to extract people from the rubble throughout the day Tuesday. See photos here.

Other individuals who died in the incident include former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco.