Tragedy Strikes Santo Domingo as Jet Set Nightclub Roof Collapses, Leaving 66 Dead and Over 160 Injured
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — A night meant for celebration turned into tragedy as the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed early Tuesday during a merengue concert, killing at least 66 people and injuring more than 160, according to emergency officials.
The venue was packed with high-profile attendees—including politicians, athletes, and entertainers—when the structure suddenly gave way shortly after midnight. The popular nightclub, renowned for its Monday night concerts, was hosting merengue legend Rubby Pérez when the catastrophic incident occurred.
Search for Survivors Continues
Rescue efforts remained active nearly 12 hours after the collapse. Emergency crews combed through the rubble with concrete drills and makeshift wooden planks, desperately working to locate and rescue potential survivors.
Juan Manuel Méndez, Director of the Center of Emergency Operations, confirmed that authorities were still hearing sounds from under the debris. “We believe many could still be alive. We won’t stop until every last person is accounted for,” he stated.
Three key areas of the club have been identified for focused rescue operations, with faint noises offering hope that some are still trapped beneath the rubble alive.
Notable Victims Among the Dead
Among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, governor of Montecristi and sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz. She reportedly made a final call to President Luis Abinader, informing him she was trapped before succumbing to her injuries.
Major League Baseball also lost two of its own: veteran pitcher Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera were confirmed dead. Dotel had initially been rescued but later died in the hospital. A national lawmaker, Bray Vargas, was also injured in the incident.
Tragically, Pérez’s saxophonist was killed during the collapse. Pérez himself was initially believed to be rescued, but later reports confirmed he is still missing. His manager, Enrique Paulino, who escaped with minor injuries, described the moment of horror. “It all happened so fast. I thought it was an earthquake,” he said, still in shock and with his shirt stained in blood.
Public Response and Government Action
President Luis Abinader arrived at the scene early Tuesday, consoling distraught families and urging the nation to hold onto hope. “We are following every moment, every rescue. We have faith that more lives will be saved,” he told reporters.
Authorities set up a makeshift morgue near the nightclub as hospitals filled with the injured. Over 120 citizens lined up to donate blood at nearby centers.
Families of those still missing stood vigil outside the club and at local hospitals. Among them was Massiel Cuevas, godmother to 22-year-old Darlenys Batista. With tears in her eyes, she whispered, “I know she’s in there. I’m waiting for her.”
Investigations Underway
The cause of the collapse remains unclear. Officials have not confirmed when the building was last inspected. Jet Set’s management released a statement expressing deep sorrow, saying the tragedy has left them “in a state of pain and dismay” and that they are fully cooperating with authorities.
Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos emphasized that while everyone wants answers, the immediate focus remains on rescue efforts.
As investigators begin probing the structural integrity of the building, many are asking how such a tragedy could strike such a well-known and regularly attended venue.
For now, the nation grieves, clings to hope, and waits for the names of the missing and injured to emerge.
