Metro

NYC Mayor Eric Adams to travel to Dominican Republic to offer condolences after fatal nightclub collapse

By
Craig McCarthy
Published April 11, 2025, 3:46 p.m. ET

Mayor Eric Adams will fly to the Dominican Republic this weekend to offer his condolences to those affected by the horrific nightclub incident that left more than 200 dead and many more injured.

“As the mayor of the city with the largest Dominican population outside of the Dominican Republic, Mayor Adams is making the trip to express heartfelt condolences and support to the families who are grieving,” the City Hall press office said in a release.

Mayor Eric Adams
Mayor Eric Adams will head to the DR on Sunday. Robert Miller
Mayor Eric Adams
Mayor Eric Adams will console the families of those affected. AP

A cement roof collapsed at Jet Set club early Tuesday, where popular merengue singer Rubby Pérez was performing, killing 221 people in Santo Domingo.

Among the dead were World Series champ Octavio Dotel and MLB first baseman Tony Blanco, who played briefly for the Washington Nationals after jumping around in the minors.

New York City art dealer Elivira Malkic and her husband Kahim Boubazine were also killed.

Pérez, 69, also died in the collapse.

DR nightclub collapse.
The collapse happened Tuesday and killed more than 200 people. AP
Dominican Republic's President Luis Abinader and first lady Raquel Arbaje standing next to the coffin of merengue artist Rubby Perez at his funeral in Santo Domingo
Dominican Republic’s President Luis Abinader and first lady Raquel Arbaje stand next to the coffin of merengue artist Rubby Perez. REUTERS
Family and friends hugging each other at Marilenny Pilarte's funeral, who died in a roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Haina, Dominican Republic.
Family and friends attend the funeral of Marilenny Pilarte who died at the Jet Set nightclub when its roof collapsed, in Haina, Dominican Republic, Thursday, April 10, 2025. AP

It was unclear what caused the roof to collapse or when the building was last inspected.

The owner of the Jet Set club, Antonio Espaillat, said Thursday he was out of the country when the incident occurred and was working with local authorities.

Hizzoner will leave the Big Apple on Sunday and return on Tuesday, leaving newly appointed First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro in charge.

New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, who was born and raised in the island country, will join the mayor on the trip.