In a tragic incident on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the roof of the Jet Set Club in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed during a live performance, resulting in a devastating loss of life and numerous injuries. According to reports from CNN, at least 27 people have died, while the Associated Press indicated that over 160 individuals sustained injuries in the disaster.
The popular merengue singer Rubby Pérez was performing at the time of the collapse. He was among those injured and has since been transferred to the Plaza de la Salud hospital for treatment. His manager, Enrique Paulino, confirmed that the band’s saxophonist tragically lost his life in the incident.
The Jet Set Club, a well-known venue in the capital, was celebrating its fifth anniversary when the roof gave way. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the structure fell, with many attendees initially unsure of what was happening. “I thought it was an earthquake, so I dropped to the floor and covered my head,” Paulino recounted. Others, like survivor Iris Peña, shared harrowing accounts of the moment the roof collapsed, stating, “At one moment, dirt started falling into our drinks on the table. When we went to sit down, a stone fell and cracked the table we were at.”
Local authorities have reported that approximately 300 people were inside the club during the performance. Emergency response teams have been working tirelessly to rescue individuals trapped under the debris, with more than 370 rescuers and dozens of ambulances deployed to the scene. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center for Emergency Operations (COE), stated, “We believe many of them are still alive, which is why the authorities will not stop until there is not a single person left under the rubble.”
As rescue efforts continue, the emotional toll on families and friends of the victims is palpable. Ana Lorenzo, whose brother Paulino Lorenzo is among the deceased, expressed her grief, saying, “It’s confirmed now. They called me this morning around 9 am… My God, what a blow!”
President Luis Abinader has publicly expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he stated, “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set Club. We are monitoring the situation minute by minute since it happened. All rescue agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families.” Following the incident, the president declared three days of mourning across the country.
The Jet Set Club has been a staple of nightlife in Santo Domingo for decades, hosting numerous live music events, particularly on Monday nights. Franchesca Guim, a contributor to Billboard Español, emphasized the club’s cultural significance, stating, “The Jet Set is part of the culture and nightlife entertainment in Santo Domingo. I would dare say it’s a landmark in the Dominican Republic where locals and tourists go to enjoy live orchestras.”
Historically, the club has undergone several renovations to enhance its dance floor, ambiance, lighting, and sound system, with its last major remodel occurring in 2015. However, the venue faced challenges in 2023 when a fire broke out after lightning struck its power plant.
As the investigation into the cause of the roof collapse unfolds, the Jet Set Club has released a statement expressing their deep sorrow over the tragedy. They stated, “Last night a tragedy occurred that deeply touched the hearts of all of us at Jet Set and all Dominicans. In this difficult moment, our prayers are with each of the affected families. We share in your pain as if it were our own because we are also in mourning. We are fully and transparently cooperating with the competent authorities to help the victims and clarify what happened. The loss of human lives leaves us in a state of profound sorrow and dismay.”
As rescue operations continue, the community remains hopeful that more survivors will be found among the rubble. The emotional and physical scars left by this disaster will undoubtedly linger, prompting calls for thorough investigations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
In the meantime, the Jet Set Club's legacy as a hub for nightlife and entertainment in Santo Domingo faces an uncertain future. The impact of this incident will resonate throughout the Dominican Republic, a nation known for its vibrant culture and resilience.
As families await news of their loved ones, the entire nation stands in solidarity, mourning the loss of life and hoping for a swift recovery for those injured in this heartbreaking event.
