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In the early hours of April 8, Santo Domingo was rocked by a catastrophe that turned a night of music into a scene of horror. The roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed during a live performance by celebrated merengue artist Rubby Pérez, killing at least 18 people and injuring over 120 more.
The collapse occurred just before 1:00 a.m., as Pérez performed for a packed crowd. "It happened so quickly," said Enrique Paulino, Pérez's manager, his shirt stained with blood. "I thought it was an earthquake. I managed to throw myself into a corner." Pérez himself was injured, and the band's saxophonist was killed on stage.
Authorities swiftly responded. The National Police confirmed the death toll via an Instagram update, adding that "121 transfers have been made to different hospital centers." Rescue efforts were still ongoing by morning, with teams combing the rubble for survivors. "We presume that many of them are still alive," said Juan Manuel Méndez, Director of the Emergency Operations Centre (COE). "The search will not stop until the last person is accounted for."
President Luis Abinader arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, embracing distraught families and offering quiet solidarity. "We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at Jet Set," he posted on X. "All rescue agencies are working tirelessly." His presence was mirrored by Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó, who posted, "Our city wakes up to a terrible tragedy. My deepest sympathy goes out to the families still waiting for news."
One of the deceased, Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi, was among the prominent figures caught in the collapse. Outside the venue, a scene of chaos unfolded as crowds pressed for news. An official with a megaphone pleaded, "You have to cooperate with authorities, please. We are removing people."
Hospitals nearby were overwhelmed, with ambulances making over 100 trips through the night. "In many cases, we had to carry more than one patient per trip," Méndez told the BBC.
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. Structural concerns have not yet been confirmed, but questions are mounting. Local outlet El Caribe reported that safety inspectors are now examining the venue's construction history and load capacity.
As rescue workers continue to dig, the city mourns. The tragedy at Jet Set has not only claimed live: it has also left behind grief, shock, and a nation demanding answers.
