Media Wire Express Correspondent
In a night that was meant to be filled with music, dancing, and celebration, tragedy struck the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo when the roof suddenly collapsed, killing at least 113 people and injuring more than 250 others.
The popular venue, known for hosting some of the country’s most beloved merengue performers, was packed with hundreds of partygoers on Monday night when the building’s roof gave way without warning. The collapse occurred around 12:45 a.m. as veteran merengue singer Rubby Pérez was mid-performance, entertaining an enthusiastic crowd.
Witnesses described a horrifying scene: the music cut off, the ceiling cracked, and then came the deafening crash. Screams of panic filled the air as people scrambled to escape, but for many, there was no time.
“I saw the lights shaking above us, and seconds later everything fell,” said María Elena, a 34-year-old survivor who had been near the stage. “I crawled out through a hole. I don’t know how I made it.”
Emergency teams responded swiftly, working through the night and into Tuesday morning to rescue survivors and recover the bodies of the victims. Crews from neighboring countries, including Puerto Rico and Israel, arrived to assist in the search. Thermal cameras and rescue dogs were brought in as rescuers continued to dig through the rubble.
Among those confirmed dead are several prominent public figures. Rubby Pérez, whose music had become part of the Dominican Republic’s cultural fabric, perished beneath the debris. Former Major League Baseball stars Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco were also killed in the disaster. Nelsy Cruz, sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz and the provincial governor of Montecristi, was among the victims as well.
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President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning. In a statement from the presidential palace, he expressed profound grief and pledged full government support for affected families. “This is a moment of deep national sorrow,” he said. “We will not rest until we understand what went wrong.”
Officials have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. The Jet Set nightclub, which originally opened in 1973 and underwent several renovations over the years, had a long history as one of the capital’s most iconic music venues. Initial reports suggest that the building may have suffered structural issues that went unnoticed.
“It’s too early to draw conclusions, but something clearly failed in the construction or maintenance,” said Public Works Minister Deligne Ascención.
The country’s emergency services have urged citizens to donate blood and supplies. Hospitals in Santo Domingo are overwhelmed, treating dozens of people with broken bones, head trauma, and burns from electrical fires triggered by the collapse.
Outside the nightclub, distraught families gathered, many still waiting to hear if their loved ones had survived. Volunteers distributed water and food, while priests offered prayers for the deceased.
This catastrophe, one of the deadliest the country has seen in recent decades, has raised questions about safety regulations and the oversight of entertainment venues. Many are calling for a nationwide audit of public buildings, particularly those hosting large crowds.
For now, however, the focus remains on mourning the dead and helping the injured heal.
“This club was a place of joy for many years,” said Luis Ramirez, a longtime fan of Jet Set’s concerts. “Now it has become a graveyard. We’ll never forget this night.”
