A devastating tragedy struck the baseball community and the Dominican Republic when a roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo resulted in the deaths of at least 98 individuals, including former Major League Baseball (MLB) players Tony Blanco and Octavio Dotel. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning during a concert by renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez.
Eyewitness reports indicate that Blanco, a former player for the Washington Nationals, displayed remarkable courage in his final moments. Esteban Germán, a former MLB player, recounted that Blanco pushed him out of the way just before the ceiling collapsed, saving his life. Tragically, Blanco did not escape the disaster himself.
This calamity unfolded just after the concert commenced, a performance that attracted a large audience, turning a night of entertainment into a scene of chaos.
Both MLB and the Harrisburg Senators, the team for which Blanco played during his minor league career, expressed their condolences. In a heartfelt statement, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred remarked, ‘Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the passings of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, and all the victims of last night’s tragedy in Santo Domingo. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been affected.’
As rescue operations continue, the authorities reported over 160 injuries resulting from the collapse. Officials are vigorously searching through the rubble, determined to locate any additional survivors. Juan Manuel Mendez, emergency operations director, confirmed, ‘We’re going to search tirelessly for people.’
Witnesses at the scene described moments of panic and confusion as the ceiling gave way. Enrique Paulino, Pérez’s manager, shared, ‘It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner.’ Sadly, Pérez is among those reported as missing.
Tony Blanco, at the age of 43, played 56 games for the Washington Nationals in 2005 and had a career spanning the minor leagues and Japan. His son, Tony Blanco Jr., currently plays in the minor leagues for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Dotel, also among the deceased, had a notable 15-year career in the MLB, contributing significantly to various teams, including winning a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011.
As the investigation into the cause of the roof collapse progresses, the Dominican Republic and the global baseball community remain in mourning. This tragedy profoundly affects the players, fans, and families connected to the game, demonstrating the deep ties between baseball and the nation.
What can be done to prevent such tragedies in the future?
