A tragic incident in the Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, has left at least 98 people dead and over 150 injured after the roof of a nightclub collapsed during a late-night concert.
The collapse occurred at the Jet Set nightclub during a performance by renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez, who is confirmed to be among the deceased.
Authorities say hundreds of concertgoers were packed inside the popular venue when the roof gave way around 1 a.m. on Tuesday. Rescue operations involving approximately 400 workers are still ongoing, with officials fearing the death toll may rise as more people are pulled from the rubble.
Among the confirmed victims are notable public figures including former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel and Nelsy Cruz, governor of Monte Cristi province. Dotel, 51, reportedly died en route to the hospital after being rescued. Cruz was also the sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz.
Jet Set nightclub is a well-known entertainment hub in Santo Domingo, frequently hosting musical events that draw large crowds. The concert was part of the venue’s weekly Monday night series, which regularly attracts politicians, celebrities, and athletes.
Eyewitness footage captured moments before the collapse shows patrons enjoying the show when someone near the stage pointed to the ceiling, warning that something appeared to be falling. Seconds later, a loud crash is heard and the screen goes black, followed by a panicked voice yelling, “Dad, what’s happened to you?”
Rubby Pérez, a beloved figure in the Dominican music scene, had been singing on stage at the time of the collapse. His daughter later confirmed he was among those trapped in the wreckage and did not survive. A member of his band described the moment as chaotic and said he initially thought it was an earthquake.
Emergency Operations Centre (COE) director Juan Manuel Méndez expressed cautious optimism that some survivors may still be found beneath the debris. He urged the public to remain hopeful as rescue efforts continue around the clock.
The cause of the collapse has not yet been officially determined, though structural integrity issues are suspected. Investigators are expected to begin a full assessment once the rescue phase concludes.
President Luis Abinader has offered condolences to the victims’ families and has promised government support in the aftermath of the disaster. He called the tragedy “a dark day for our nation” and praised the emergency teams for their quick response.
As Santo Domingo mourns, the nation remains gripped by grief over the loss of lives and cultural icons, with questions now turning toward how such a catastrophe could have been prevented.
