A tragic accident unfolded in the early hours of April 8, 2025, at the Jet Set discotheque in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, when the roof of the iconic venue collapsed during a performance by renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez. The disaster has resulted in at least 98 fatalities and left over 160 individuals injured, according to the latest provisional reports from the Emergency Operations Center (COE).
The incident occurred around 1:00 AM local time, with approximately 500 people present at the venue, which has a total capacity exceeding 1,000. Eyewitnesses reported that the atmosphere quickly shifted from excitement to chaos as the roof gave way, leading to a scene of devastation.
Rescue operations began immediately, involving more than 370 rescuers and 150 ambulances working tirelessly to clear debris and locate survivors trapped under the rubble. The COE has coordinated efforts with various institutions, employing heavy machinery and specialized canine units to assist in the search.
Among the deceased are some prominent figures, including Rubby Pérez, who was 69 years old at the time of his death. Known for his powerful voice, Pérez had been performing at the Jet Set when the collapse occurred. His daughter, Zulinka Pérez, initially reported that her father had been found alive, singing to help rescuers locate him. However, later reports confirmed the heartbreaking news of his passing, leading to an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians alike.
Another victim of the tragedy was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi, who was just 41 years old. She had called President Luis Abinader for assistance after becoming trapped but ultimately succumbed to her injuries shortly after being rescued. The medical report detailing her condition revealed severe trauma, including injuries to her pelvic region and multiple organ damage.
Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball player, also lost his life in the accident at the age of 51. Dotel was rescued alive but died en route to the hospital due to the severity of his injuries. His legacy as a celebrated athlete in the Dominican Republic has left a significant impact on the sports community.
Additionally, Luis Emilio Guillén, a prominent businessman and president of the Lions Club in Haina, died in the collapse. He had organized a gathering of over 30 friends and neighbors to attend the concert, marking a tragic end to what was meant to be a joyous occasion. His contributions to the community and the local sports scene will be remembered fondly.
The loss of Lourdes Ricard, a respected cardiologist, has also been deeply felt within the medical community. Ricard was known for her dedication to her patients and her work in advancing cardiology in the Dominican Republic. Her husband, a prominent endocrinologist, remains missing among the debris.
As the nation mourns, President Abinader has declared three days of national mourning from April 8 to April 10. Flags will fly at half-mast in all public buildings, and the government is focusing resources on rescue and recovery efforts. Emotional support is being offered to families affected by the tragedy, and the public has shown a remarkable spirit of solidarity, with many donating blood to assist the injured.
The Jet Set discotheque, a staple of the Dominican nightlife scene since its opening in the 1970s, has faced scrutiny in the wake of this disaster. The venue had previously experienced a fire in 2023, raising questions about its safety and maintenance practices. As investigations into the structural integrity of the building begin, many are calling for accountability and a thorough examination of the circumstances that led to the collapse.
Survivors have shared harrowing accounts of the moments leading up to the disaster. Some thought they were experiencing an earthquake as debris began to fall, while others described a frantic rush to escape the venue. The community remains on edge as families wait for news about missing loved ones, with many still unaccounted for.
As the rescue operation continues, the focus remains on recovering those still trapped and identifying the deceased. The emotional toll of this tragedy has united the nation in grief, as the Dominican Republic reflects on the lives lost and the impact of this catastrophic event.
In the coming days, authorities are expected to hold press conferences to provide updates on the rescue efforts, victim identifications, and preliminary findings regarding the cause of the collapse. The Jet Set tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety regulations in public venues and the need for rigorous oversight to prevent such disasters in the future.
