As of Wednesday, April 9, the death toll from the roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo has risen to 98, marking one of the deadliest nightlife tragedies in the country’s recent history.
The collapse occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, during a live merengue concert by Dominican music icon Rubby Perez. The one-storey structure, which has been a mainstay of the city’s nightlife for over fifty years, was filled with around 300 people, among them politicians, entertainers, and sports stars.
The roof suddenly gave way, sending concrete and steel crashing onto the crowded dance floor. Rubby Perez, who was performing when the roof caved in, was found alive under the rubble and reportedly kept singing to signal for help. Despite being pulled from the debris, he later died from his injuries, sparking an outpouring of grief across the nation.
Other confirmed fatalities include former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, as well as Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and sister to MLB player Nelson Cruz. Over 160 others were injured, with many still receiving treatment in nearby hospitals.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly throughout Tuesday and early Wednesday, with faint cries for help still being heard from under the debris hours after the collapse. Dozens of anxious relatives gathered near the scene and at the Institute of Forensic Science to identify loved ones or receive updates.
While investigations into the cause of the structural failure are underway, no official explanation has yet been given. Jet Set’s management has promised to cooperate fully with authorities.
President Luis Abinader has declared three days of national mourning and visited the site on Wednesday. He assured the nation that those responsible would be held accountable and support would be extended to grieving families.
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