In Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, a tragedy struck as the roof of the famed Jet Set nightclub unexpectedly collapsed during a merengue concert, leading to the tragic deaths of at least 98 individuals and leaving more than 160 injured. Attending the event were prominent figures, including politicians and athletes, when the disaster occurred late Tuesday night. Rescue operations were immediately initiated as emergency crews searched tirelessly through the wreckage for survivors, while worried families waited nearby for news of their loved ones.
The roof’s sudden collapse came approximately an hour after the renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez began his performance at the iconic venue, which is well-loved for its regular Monday merengue nights featuring both local and international talent. Social media footage captured alarming moments when parts of the roof began to fall, prompting attendees to seek safety seconds before the entire structure gave way. Among the casualties was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi and sister to the famous baseball player Nelson Cruz. She managed to contact Dominican President Luis Abinader from beneath the debris before succumbing to her injuries at the hospital.
Authorities are currently unable to determine the precise cause of the collapse. Despite firefighters removing heavy debris and using makeshift methods to reach those trapped within, questions remain regarding building inspections. A Ministry of Public Works representative indicated that all officials were currently engaged in relief efforts. Attempts to contact the mayor’s office and the nightclub’s management for comments proved unsuccessful.
Some victims had established ties to the world of music and sports. While initial reports suggested Rubby Pérez was among those saved, Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the Center of Emergency Operations, later confirmed that he remained unaccounted for as search efforts continued. Enrique Paulino, the singer’s manager, noted the death of the group’s saxophonist amidst the turmoil. The Dominican Republic’s baseball community also mourned the loss of former Major League pitcher Octavio Dotel and another professional player, Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera.
Jet Set, a fixture in the local nightlife scene for almost 50 years, earned its reputation through events known as “Jet Set Mondays,” drawing performers globally and nationwide to its platform since it opened in 1973. Over the years, the nightclub has experienced several transitions and renovations, surviving even a lightning strike in 2023. Its impact on the community extends beyond music, serving as a cultural cornerstone over the decades.
Efforts to find remaining survivors persist as night falls, with authorities promising a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos emphasized the ongoing priority of locating survivors, reminding that explanations regarding the disaster will come secondary to the focus on rescue missions currently underway.