ALBANY, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of over 200 individuals who tragically lost their lives in a roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Friday, April 11, 2025. The disaster has deeply affected many, with several victims identified as New Yorkers.
Governor Hochul expressed her condolences, stating, “Our hearts break for our beloved neighbors in the Dominican Republic who are grieving a massive loss.” She has been in contact with key leaders, including the Dominican Consul General in New York and Congressman Adriano Espaillat, to extend her sympathies and discuss future collaborations. “With more than 1 million people of Dominican descent in the Empire State, the ties between New York and the Dominican Republic remain unshakeable,” she added.
Flags will be lowered from Saturday, April 12, 2025, to Sunday, April 13, 2025, in honor of the victims.
Meanwhile, in the Dominican Republic, the mourning process for the victims has begun. Heartbroken families gathered on Thursday, April 10, 2025, to bury their loved ones, as the country grapples with the aftermath of the catastrophic event. The nightclub's rooftop collapsed during a concert by renowned merengue singer Rubby Perez, who tragically died in the incident.
The collapse occurred early on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, while the club was reportedly filled with between 500 and 1,000 attendees, despite having a maximum capacity of 1,700. Local authorities confirmed that the official death toll has risen to 221, with 189 individuals rescued from the debris alive.
Juan Manuel Mendez, the director of the Center for Emergency Operations, stated, “Our rescue team is already concluding the search operations.” The search for live victims was officially called off on Wednesday night, April 9, 2025, as rescuers shifted their focus to recovering bodies from the wreckage.
Health Minister Victor Atallah warned that there may still be more bodies trapped beneath the rubble, indicating that the disaster is one of the worst in the Caribbean nation’s recent history. “No one will be left unidentified. No one will be left without an answer,” he assured the public. “We are going to move every last stone that needs to be moved.”
President Luis Abinader attended a tribute to Rubby Perez at the National Theater on the same day, which was followed by a wake. Among the deceased are notable figures such as Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province, and former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. The tragedy has left more than 500 individuals injured, with many families anxiously waiting for news about missing relatives.
Jose Santana, a 47-year-old man who lost four family members in the accident, described the harrowing experience of searching for his loved ones. “It has truly brought mourning to [the municipality of] Haina, it has brought mourning to our family, it has brought mourning to the country,” he said, recounting the desperate search through hospitals and clinics. “Unfortunately, this morning we were told that they are all dead.”
As families begin the grieving process, temporary centers are being established to expedite the identification of the deceased, with Health Minister Atallah acknowledging the overwhelming number of bodies. “No pathology institute has the capacity to handle so many bodies so quickly,” he noted, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring that every victim is accounted for.
The Dominican government has pledged to launch an inquiry into the disaster once rescue operations conclude. “It is not possible for us to be left with doubts,” said Atallah. “Every Dominican man, woman, or foreigner who was visiting will receive an answer.”
The emotional toll of this tragedy resonates not only within the Dominican Republic but also among the Dominican diaspora in the United States, particularly in New York, where many families are mourning their losses. Governor Hochul’s actions reflect the deep connections between the two communities, highlighting the shared grief and solidarity in the wake of such a devastating event.
As the days unfold, the focus will remain on recovery efforts, support for the affected families, and ensuring that the victims receive the dignity and respect they deserve in their final moments. The Jet Set nightclub disaster stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of community in times of crisis.
