At least 18 people have died and over 120 have been hospitalized with injuries early Tuesday, April 8, 2025, when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub, a well-known venue in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed during a live performance. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. during a concert by popular merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who himself sustained injuries in the disaster.
Rescue efforts are ongoing as emergency teams work tirelessly to locate survivors beneath the rubble of the nightclub, which was reportedly packed with around 300 attendees at the time of the collapse. According to Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, the search for potential survivors continues with optimism. "We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble," he stated.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, ambulances made over 100 trips to local hospitals, carrying multiple patients at times. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as the roof began to fall. One video taken just moments before the collapse shows Pérez performing, with fans enjoying the concert. Suddenly, a loud crash is heard, and the footage goes dark as panicked voices can be heard. "I thought it was an earthquake," Pérez recalled, adding that he managed to throw himself into a corner just before the roof fell.
Among the casualties is Pérez's saxophone player, who was killed in the incident. The singer's manager, Enrique Paulino, who was visibly shaken, spoke to reporters at the scene, confirming that the situation unfolded rapidly and left many in shock.
President Luis Abinader expressed his condolences to the families affected by the disaster. In a post on social media platform X, he stated that all rescue agencies are "working tirelessly" to assist those impacted by the tragedy. He visited the scene, offering comfort to those searching for loved ones amidst the chaos.
Authorities have also confirmed that three former Major League Baseball players were in attendance during the concert. Notably, Octavio Dotel was trapped in the rubble but has since been reported alive. Esteban Germán and Henry Blanco were also present but managed to escape before the roof collapsed. The incident has drawn significant attention, with many in the Dominican Republic mourning the loss of life and the injuries sustained.
As search and rescue operations continue, the Ministry of Public Works has announced it will investigate the causes of the collapse. Meanwhile, Santo Domingo's Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó expressed her sorrow over the tragedy, stating, "Our city wakes up to a terrible tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. My deepest sympathy goes out to the families still waiting for news of their loved ones."
At one hospital, officials read aloud the names of survivors as anxious relatives gathered, hoping for news of their loved ones. The emotional toll of the incident is palpable, with many families still searching for answers. The nightclub is now under inspection as authorities work to determine the cause of the collapse.
This tragic event highlights the importance of building safety regulations and the need for thorough inspections of public venues. The Jet Set nightclub, a popular location for dance music concerts, will likely face scrutiny in the wake of this disaster to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains in mourning, grappling with the loss of life and the injuries sustained during what should have been a night of celebration. The resilience of the Dominican people will be tested in the coming days as they navigate the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.
The Jet Set nightclub has been a staple of nightlife in Santo Domingo, regularly hosting concerts and events that draw large crowds. The sudden collapse of its roof during a concert has shocked many, leading to questions about the structural integrity of the venue and whether proper safety measures were in place.
In the days ahead, as more information becomes available, the focus will remain on the victims and their families, as well as the ongoing efforts to ensure safety in public spaces across the country. The Dominican Republic stands united in its grief and determination to seek justice for those affected by this tragic incident.
