A deadly nightclub disaster rocked Santo Domingo early Tuesday when the roof of the iconic Jet Set club collapsed during a packed merengue concert. At least 218 people were killed. More than 200 others were injured in the shocking tragedy.
Among the dead were celebrities, athletes, and government officials. The nation has now entered a full-blown recovery phase.
Roof Collapses During Merengue Show
The disaster struck about an hour into a high-energy set by Dominican merengue legend Rubby Pérez. The Jet Set nightclub was filled with local elites, fans, and prominent figures. Known for its legendary Monday night shows, the venue was considered a cultural landmark.
Suddenly, large sections of the roof began falling. Social media videos captured the moment chaos erupted. Seconds later, the entire roof caved in, trapping hundreds.
Eyewitnesses screamed and scrambled. Some were able to run. Others never got the chance.
Governor Dies After Calling for Help
One of the first to alert the president was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi and sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz. She made a desperate phone call to President Luis Abinader from under the rubble.
Sadly, she later died from her injuries at a nearby hospital.
Cause of Collapse Still Unknown
Fire crews and emergency workers rushed to the scene. Over 180 people were pulled from the rubble alive. Others were not so lucky.
Officials say it is too early to determine the cause of the nightclub disaster. Engineers are now investigating the structural integrity of the building.
Questions are mounting about how often Jet Set was inspected and whether it met safety standards. Local authorities have yet to provide answers.
The Ministry of Public Works referred reporters to the mayor’s office. But no response has been given. Meanwhile, Jet Set’s owners say they are cooperating with the investigation but declined to comment further.
Tragic Deaths Include Celebrities and Officials
The list of victims is growing and includes well-known public figures.
Rubby Pérez, the performer headlining the night, was confirmed dead Wednesday morning. His saxophonist also died.
Octavio Dotel, a former MLB pitcher, was rescued but later passed away in the hospital. Baseball player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera also perished, according to the Dominican Baseball League.
Others who died include a retired United Nations official, fashion designer Martín Polanco, an army captain, and several employees of Grupo Popular, including its AFP Popular Bank president and his wife.
What Was Jet Set?
Jet Set wasn’t just another club. It was a Dominican icon. Founded in 1973, the club was famous for its “Jet Set Mondays,” which attracted the country’s biggest stars and international acts.
Originally located in central Santo Domingo, it later moved and celebrated its new location with a legendary performance by salsa legend Johnny Ventura.
Jet Set had undergone several renovations over the years—in 2010 and again in 2015. Last year, it was reportedly struck by lightning.
Tickets for Monday’s concert ranged from $32 for general admission to $40 for VIP seating. The club was filled to capacity the night of the collapse.
Families Desperate for Answers
On Wednesday, the government confirmed it had moved into a full recovery phase. Search efforts for survivors continued for over 24 hours.
Now, teams are focused on identifying bodies and returning them to families. Outside the forensics institute, grieving relatives wait for word. Many have been holding photos and crying in disbelief.
Hospitals across the city remain filled with the injured. Dozens are in critical condition, many suffering from broken bones and head trauma.
Investigators Promise Answers
Officials have promised a thorough investigation into the nightclub disaster. So far, no preliminary findings have been shared publicly.
Experts will now examine construction permits, past inspections, and potential warning signs missed before the collapse.
Some are demanding accountability from local authorities. Others are calling for new building regulations to prevent future tragedies.
A Nation in Mourning
The Dominican Republic is reeling. Jet Set wasn’t just a nightclub—it was a part of the country’s cultural identity.
The loss of so many prominent citizens in a single night has shocked the nation. Grief is turning into anger as more questions go unanswered.
President Abinader has promised full transparency in the investigation. But for the victims’ families, the pain is just beginning.
The country now waits, hoping to understand how a celebration turned into one of the deadliest events in Dominican nightlife history.
