Tragedy struck Santo Domingo’s iconic Jet Set nightclub early Tuesday morning when the roof collapsed during a live performance by renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez. The catastrophic collapse has now claimed at least 184 lives, with more than 500 people injured and dozens still unaccounted for, making it the deadliest incident in the Dominican Republic in decades.
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The venue, a staple of the capital’s nightlife for over 50 years, was packed with between 500 and 1,000 attendees when the roof caved in around 12:44 a.m. Pérez, whose hits include Volveré and Enamorado de Ella, was killed in the collapse. His daughter, Zulinka Pérez, managed to escape with her husband, who shielded her during the disaster.
Chaos and Desperation
Shocking footage from the scene shows lights failing and the ceiling giving way as Pérez performed. Survivors described scenes of chaos. Iris Peña, a guest, said “dirt started falling like dust” before a stone cracked her table. Jenniré Mena, celebrating her 40th birthday, was trapped under rubble for hours with a friend who later died. “I’m grateful to be alive,” she said.
More than 300 emergency workers, including teams from Puerto Rico, Israel, and Mexico, joined the massive search effort. As hopes for finding survivors dwindled, the rescue officially ended Wednesday evening. “All reasonable possibilities of finding more survivors have been exhausted,” said Jose Luis Frometa Herasme, head of the fire service.
National Mourning
President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning and visited the scene with First Lady Raquel Arbaje. Condolences poured in from around the world. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed at least one U.S. citizen was among the victims, and Pope Francis sent his prayers to the grieving nation. Among the dead were two beloved former Major League Baseball players—Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco—as well as Monte Cristi governor Nelsy Cruz. Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez said some of his relatives remain missing.
Families in Agony
Outside hospitals, morgues, and the disaster site, families have kept vigil in heartbreaking scenes. Antonio Hernandez waited for news about his son who worked at the club. “I don’t have the stomach to find out the worst yet,” he said. Shailyn Peña, whose father and stepmother were inside, spent her 17th birthday waiting for word on their fate. Her cousin, part of the rescue team, offered her a sliver of hope.
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The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. While officials have not commented definitively, many are pointing to a fire at the club two years ago, suggesting it may have compromised the building’s structural integrity. Club owner Antonio Espaillat has pledged full cooperation with authorities.