The roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, during a merengue concert, resulting in a tragic loss of life and numerous injuries. The incident occurred nearly an hour into the performance by renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was among those injured in the disaster. Initial reports indicate that at least 98 people have died, with over 160 others injured, marking one of the deadliest nightclub incidents in recent history.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos as the roof gave way. A video circulating on social media captured the moment parts of the roof began to fall, prompting concertgoers to flee just seconds before the entire structure collapsed. Among those present were politicians, athletes, and fans, all gathered to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the club, which has been a staple in Santo Domingo for nearly five decades.
One of the victims was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Nelson Cruz. Nelsy was the first to alert President Luis Abinader about the disaster, calling him to report that she was trapped under the debris. Tragically, she later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital, a loss felt deeply across the nation. First Lady Raquel Abraje expressed her sorrow, stating, "It’s a tragedy too great." The emotional toll of the incident has resonated throughout the Dominican Republic as families and friends await news of their loved ones.
As rescue crews worked tirelessly through the night, the search for survivors continued amid the rubble of the Jet Set nightclub. Firefighters and emergency personnel used makeshift planks to navigate the debris, hoping to reach anyone still trapped beneath the wreckage. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the roof collapse, with investigations ongoing. The nightclub's owners have expressed their cooperation with the authorities, stating, "The loss of human lives leaves us in a state of deep pain and dismay."
Rubby Pérez's manager, Enrique Paulino, reported that the group’s saxophonist died in the incident, while initial reports of Pérez's rescue were later confirmed to be false; he remains unaccounted for. Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, who was also in attendance, was reported to have been rescued from the debris but later died at the hospital. Dotel, who played for 13 major league teams during his career and won the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, was 51 years old at the time of his death. The Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic mourned his passing, stating, "We express our sorrow for the death of former pitcher Octavio Dotel, who was immortalized in the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame."
Authorities have emphasized that while the death toll is still rising, they are focused on rescuing any remaining survivors. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, stated, "We presume that many of them are still alive, and therefore, the authorities present here will not relent until there is not a single person left beneath those ruins."
The Jet Set nightclub, known for its “Jet Set Mondays” featuring local and international artists, opened its doors in 1973. Over the years, it has become synonymous with the vibrant nightlife of Santo Domingo. Following renovations in 2010 and 2015, the club was struck by lightning in 2023, raising questions about its structural integrity. As the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering how such a beloved venue could suffer such a catastrophic failure.
Rescue operations were complicated by the large crowd that had gathered outside the club, as anxious relatives awaited news of their loved ones. Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son attended the concert but did not return home, expressed his desperation: "We are only holding onto God at this moment." Similarly, Massiel Cuevas, waiting for news about her goddaughter, remained hopeful, saying, "I know she is still inside, and I believe she will be rescued alive."
President Abinader, who visited the site of the collapse, reassured the public that all rescue agencies were working tirelessly to assist those affected. In a post on social media platform X, he stated, "We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the case minute by minute since it happened." His presence at the scene provided some comfort to the distraught families searching for answers amidst the chaos.
As the rescue operations continue, the focus remains on finding survivors and understanding the causes behind this tragic incident. The community has come together in solidarity, embracing those affected by the loss and waiting for answers. The Jet Set nightclub, once a beacon of joy in the Dominican nightlife scene, now stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of life.
In the wake of this disaster, questions about building safety regulations and inspection protocols in the Dominican Republic are likely to arise. It remains unclear how often such establishments are inspected and what measures are in place to prevent similar tragedies in the future. As the nation mourns, the hope is that lessons will be learned to ensure that such a catastrophe does not happen again.
