A Night of Celebration Turns into National Tragedy
A night meant to celebrate music and culture turned into a national catastrophe when the roof of the famous Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed. The deadly collapse occurred during the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, as hundreds gathered to enjoy a live performance by merengue legend Rubby Pérez.
The incident has since been confirmed to have claimed 218 lives. At least 200 others suffered injuries, many of them critical. The Jet Set nightclub roof collapse has been described as one of the deadliest peacetime disasters in the Caribbean nation’s history.
Dust Fell First—Then the Ceiling Crashed
The Jet Set nightclub was hosting a high-profile event with many influential figures from the entertainment industry, sports, and government. Eyewitnesses say the first sign of danger came as dust began to fall from the ceiling. Within minutes, the entire roof caved in, trapping hundreds beneath massive slabs of concrete and debris.
Rescue efforts began immediately. Emergency services received more than 100 calls, many from people trapped under the rubble. According to Randolfo Rijo Gómez, director of the Dominican Republic’s 911 system, first responders arrived in just 90 seconds.
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Victims Included National Icons and International Celebrities
The Jet Set nightclub roof collapse has taken a heartbreaking toll on the nation. Among the 218 confirmed dead are:
- Rubby Pérez – Legendary merengue performer and national treasure
- Octavio Dotel – Former MLB pitcher and World Series champion
- Tony Blanco – Former Major League Baseball player
- Nelsy Cruz – Governor of Montecristi and sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz
- Luis Solís – Saxophonist performing with Pérez
- Martín Polanco – Prominent New York-based fashion designer
- Three employees of Grupo Popular, including the President of AFP Popular and his wife
- Son and daughter-in-law of the Minister of Public Works
- Brother of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Youth
- A retired United Nations diplomat
The diverse range of victims underscores the wide-reaching impact of this disaster. Families across the country and around the world are mourning.
Overwhelmed Hospitals and the Race Against Time
Health Minister Víctor Atallah warned that the situation for the 24 hospitalized patients remained critical. At least eight were in intensive care as of Wednesday night.
“If the trauma is too great, there’s not much time left,” Atallah told reporters. Doctors treated multiple victims for crushed skulls, fractured femurs, and shattered pelvises—all consistent with being trapped under collapsed cement structures.
Government Declares Three Days of National Mourning
President Luis Abinader visited the collapse site within hours of the tragedy. The president addressed the nation in a somber televised statement, announcing three days of national mourning.
“We are putting every resource into the rescue and recovery,” he said.
Flags across all public institutions were lowered to half-mast, and national television and radio stations observed moments of silence. The Dominican Senate canceled sessions scheduled for April 9, and public events were suspended throughout the capital.
Rescue Efforts Continue in Final Phase
By Thursday morning, rescue crews had shifted from search to recovery. Emergency response teams—assisted by sniffer dogs, thermal cameras, and over 70 ambulances—worked tirelessly around the clock.
More than 180 survivors have been pulled from the rubble. International help has also arrived, with rescue teams from Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Israel joining the mission.
“We’ve practically combed through ground zero,” said Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the Center for Emergency Operations. Only one small section of rubble remains, but no survivors have been found since Tuesday afternoon.
Club Owners and Government Face Questions
What caused the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse remains unclear. Authorities confirmed that a full investigation would begin after the recovery phase ends. Several officials are facing scrutiny over the building’s last safety inspection, which has yet to be disclosed.
A spokesperson for the club said it would “fully cooperate” with investigators. Ownership of the venue rests with a prominent family in Santo Domingo, but they have declined to answer questions directly.
The Ministry of Public Works directed media inquiries to the mayor’s office. The mayor’s office, in turn, has remained silent. This lack of accountability has sparked frustration and anger among the victims’ families.
An Outpouring of International Support
Condolences have poured in from leaders across the globe. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and members of Congress, including María Elvira Salazar and Adriano Espaillat, sent heartfelt messages.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Russian President Vladimir Putin also expressed their solidarity. The international community has called for transparent investigations and support for grieving families.
National Healing and Long-Term Impact
The Jet Set nightclub roof collapse has left a gaping wound in the heart of Santo Domingo. More than a tragedy, it has become a wake-up call for infrastructure safety in high-capacity venues.
The Dominican government has opened trauma centers and mental health hotlines for grieving families. Blood drives are underway, and donation campaigns have been launched to support survivors.
The Jet Set nightclub roof collapse has claimed 218 lives, injured hundreds, and left a nation in mourning. While the focus remains on recovery and justice, the tragedy has also united Dominicans in their grief and resilience.
As investigations begin and more details emerge, one truth remains: this was a preventable disaster that demands answers, accountability, and change.
