Tragedy strikes as roof collapse kills and injures many in Dominican nightclub

In the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where a roof collapse led to multiple fatalities and injuries. At least 27 people lost their lives, and over 150 were reported injured as rescue teams began searching for those trapped under the debris. This horrific event unfolded during a concert by popular merengue singer Rubby Pérez, causing panic among attendees and urgency among first responders. Eyewitness accounts described confusion and chaos as the roof suddenly fell, and many believed they were experiencing an earthquake. As the rescue mission continued, officials noted that they had deployed around 400 search and rescue workers to assist in locating survivors. Juan Manuel Méndez, the head of the Emergency Operations Centre (COE), expressed hope that individuals buried under the collapsed roof might still be alive, emphasizing that the rescue efforts would not cease until every possible person was accounted for. He acknowledged that ambulances had made over 100 trips to various hospitals, often transporting multiple patients simultaneously, showcasing the scale of the response required following the roof's collapse. Among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi, which heightened the gravity of the situation for local authorities. Moreover, injuries included those of merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing at the time and witnessed the roof's sudden fall. His manager recounted the harrowing moment when chaos erupted just after midnight, highlighting how fleeting the seconds were as everyone attempted to seek safety. While the exact cause of the roof collapse remains unclear, emergency services blocked off roads near the nightclub to ensure that rescue efforts could proceed without interference from the public gathering at the site. So far, the incident has prompted expressions of condolences from President Luis Abinader, who visited the scene and communicated with the affected families. He assured the public that all rescue agencies were working diligently to help those impacted. The sorrow felt across Santo Domingo and the Dominican Republic is palpable, as families anxiously waited for news about their loved ones in crowded hospitals and around the rescue scene. This disaster has raised serious concerns over safety standards in public venues, particularly in entertainment areas, prompting potential investigations into the structural integrity of the nightclub and similar establishments in the region.