A devastating roof collapse at Santo Domingo’s iconic Jet Set nightclub has left at least 113 dead and 155 injured, marking one of the Caribbean nation’s deadliest disasters in decades.
The incident occurred during a packed merengue concert featuring renowned singer Rubby Pérez, with rescue teams continuing to search for survivors amid unstable rubble and anguished families demanding answers.
The collapse unfolded shortly after midnight on 8 April 2025, approximately an hour into Pérez’s concert, which drew politicians, athletes, and hundreds of revellers. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud noise before the roof caved in, with social media footage capturing chaotic scenes of debris crashing onto the dancefloor.
Pérez, initially reported rescued, was later confirmed among the deceased after his body was recovered on Wednesday morning.
Notable victims included former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, who died en route to hospital after being pulled from the wreckage, and Nelsy Cruz, governor of Monte Cristi province and sister of baseball star Nelson Cruz. The son of Public Works Minister Eduardo Estrella, Eduardo Guarionex Estrella, was also identified as a victim, deepening the national tragedy.
Over 400 emergency personnel, including canine units and naval teams, worked through the night using cranes and heavy machinery to clear debris. Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the Emergency Operations Centre, stated crews were prioritising areas where “sounds” suggested survivors might be trapped.
However, no survivors have been found since Tuesday afternoon, with officials warning the death toll could rise.
The cause of the collapse remains unclear, though the club’s structural integrity is under scrutiny. Jet Set, operational since 1973, had undergone renovations in 2010 and 2015 and survived a lightning strike in 2023. Authorities have yet to confirm when the venue was last inspected, with the Public Works Ministry deferring questions to local officials.
The tragedy has reignited concerns about building safety in a nation where tourism, a key economic pillar, relies heavily on nightlife and cultural events. The disaster echoes past crises, including a 2023 plastics factory explosion that killed 40 near Santo Domingo.
