Roof Collapse at Dominican Republic Nightclub Claims 58 Lives
A roof collapse at Jet Set nightclub during a concert in Santo Domingo has left at least 58 dead and over 160 injured. The incident occurred within an hour of a performance by Rubby Pérez. While rescue operations are in progress, the cause of the collapse remains unclear, prompting calls for investigations into building safety inspections.
In a tragic incident at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the roof collapsed during a merengue concert on April 8, 2025, claiming at least 58 lives and injuring over 160 attendees. The club was hosting famous artist Rubby Pérez when the disaster occurred nearly an hour into the performance. Politicians and local celebrities were present at the event when chaos ensued as parts of the roof suddenly fell down.
First responders worked tirelessly throughout the night searching for survivors in the wreckage. Family members of those missing anxiously waited nearby for news, creating an atmosphere of desperation and uncertainty. Tragically, Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz, was buried under debris and later passed away from her injuries.
As for the cause of the roof collapse, officials reported it remains too soon to establish what led to the disaster. They have begun clearing the rubble, with firefighters taking on the challenging task of sifting through broken concrete to search for survivors or remains. The last building inspection for Jet Set remains unknown, and questions have arisen regarding the regularity of such inspections across the country.
Rescue efforts have faced challenges, with conflicting reports regarding the status of victims. Initially, reports suggested that singer Rubby Pérez had been rescued, though the emergency operations director clarified those claims later on, adding that they were still searching for him. Heartbreakingly, the saxophonist of Pérez’s group, who was present at the concert, is confirmed deceased. Additionally, prominent MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican baseball player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera were among those who tragically lost their lives.
The Jet Set nightclub, established in 1973, had become a landmark for social gatherings in Santo Domingo, particularly known for its signature ‘Jet Set Mondays,’ which attracted national and international stars. Following renovations over the years and experiencing previous incidents, the venue remained a popular nightlife destination. As for ticket prices, general admission to the concert was pegged at $32 while VIP access was priced at $40.
Officials have committed to continuing rescue operations while expressing a strong desire to understand precisely what caused the structure’s failure. Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos stated that although many are eager to know the details surrounding the incident, the immediate priority is locating any remaining survivors. Investigations will be initiated once rescue missions shift to a recovery focus.
The tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub underscores critical safety concerns regarding infrastructure in the Dominican Republic. With at least 58 lives lost and many injured, this incident highlights the urgent need for thorough inspections and regulations for public venues. Rescue efforts are ongoing amid rising tensions among bereaved families and the community, while investigations will eventually seek to uncover the reasons behind this catastrophic failure. The club’s long-standing history as a cultural hub adds a deep sense of loss to the tragedy.
Original Source: apnews.com
