Roof Collapse at Jet Set Nightclub in Santo Domingo – A devastating tragedy struck the Dominican Republic’s capital on Tuesday when the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed, resulting in at least 27 deaths and over 160 injuries. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning while a merengue concert was underway, attended by a mix of politicians, athletes, and local citizens. The collapse sent shockwaves throughout the country, and authorities scrambled to respond to the disaster, rescuing survivors and managing the aftermath.
The nightclub, a one-story building in the heart of Santo Domingo, has long been known for its vibrant atmosphere and its role as a hub for national and international entertainment. At the time of the incident, renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez was performing on stage. According to reports, the roof caved in almost an hour after the concert began, at around 1 a.m., causing chaos and panic among the crowd. Among the victims was the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi, Nelsy Cruz, adding to the high-profile nature of the tragedy.
One of the key details from the scene of the disaster came from Pérez’s manager, Enrique Paulino, who was present during the collapse. His testimony emphasized the unexpected nature of the event, recounting how he initially thought an earthquake had struck due to the suddenness of the crash. Tragically, the group’s saxophonist was killed in the collapse. As rescuers sifted through the debris, there were hopes that more survivors might be found. Juan Manuel Méndez, the director of the Center of Emergency Operations, assured the public that authorities would continue searching for anyone trapped in the rubble, hopeful that some victims could still be alive.
Among the injured were notable figures, including former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel, legislator Bray Vargas, and the merengue singer Rubby Pérez. As the hours passed, authorities focused on managing the chaos, directing ambulances and search teams to assist the injured. Eyewitnesses and families gathered outside the nightclub anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. One such family member, Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son had attended the concert but failed to return home, voiced the helplessness and despair that many were feeling.
In the aftermath of the disaster, President Luis Abinader expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy, reassuring the public that all rescue teams were working tirelessly to assist the victims. He also expressed his condolences via social media, stating that the government was following the situation closely and doing everything in their power to mitigate the situation. President Abinader personally visited the site of the disaster, offering his support to those searching for loved ones, though he refrained from speaking to the press.
The cause of the roof collapse remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing. The authorities have not ruled out the possibility of structural issues or other factors that could have contributed to the failure of the roof. The nightclub was known for its traditional Monday night parties, where a variety of artists performed, and it remains to be seen if any safety concerns or violations played a role in this tragic event.
As rescue operations continued, the community, including the families of the victims, held on to hope, with some praying for the safe return of their loved ones. The tragedy at the Jet Set nightclub serves as a sobering reminder of the potential hazards that can lurk in public venues and the critical importance of ensuring safety in spaces frequented by large crowds.