A night meant for celebration turned into a horrifying tragedy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as the roof of the famed Jet Set Nightclub collapsed during a live merengue concert, killing at least 44 people and injuring more than 160 others.
The incident occurred late Tuesday night while hundreds of concertgoers, including high-profile dignitaries, athletes, and celebrities, gathered for what was supposed to be an evening of music and entertainment. Without warning, the structure caved in, plunging the crowd into chaos as metal beams and concrete crashed down.
Rescue Operations Underway
Emergency crews responded swiftly to the scene, launching a massive rescue effort under the direction of Juan Manuel Méndez, Director of the Centre for Emergency Operations. Speaking to the press, Méndez stated, “We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble.”
Rescuers, supported by cranes and search dogs, worked tirelessly through the night, pulling survivors from the wreckage amid crumbling debris and twisted steel. The area surrounding the nightclub was cordoned off as anxious families gathered, awaiting news about their loved ones.
High-Profile Victims and Injuries
One of the most devastating losses was Nelsy Cruz, Governor of Montecristi Province and sister to MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. It was reported that Governor Cruz managed to place a desperate call to President Luis Abinader shortly after the collapse, informing him she was trapped beneath the rubble. Tragically, she later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.
The disaster also left several notable figures injured, including:
- Octavio Dotel, former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Bray Vargas, a member of the Dominican legislature.
- Rubby Pérez, the legendary merengue singer who was performing at the time of the collapse.
According to Pérez’s manager, Enrique Paulino, the collapse was sudden and unexpected. “It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner. I initially thought it was an earthquake,” he said.
Government Response and National Mourning
In the wake of the tragedy, President Abinader visited the site and met with emergency teams and grieving families. “We have faith in God that we will rescue even more people alive,” he said, while urging the public to allow rescue operations to proceed without obstruction.
First Lady Raquel Arbaje also addressed the nation, visibly emotional. “This is too great a tragedy,” she said. “Our hearts are with the families of the victims.”
Hospitals across the capital have been flooded with casualties, and names of survivors are being read aloud periodically. The National Institute of Forensic Pathology has been mobilized to assist with identifying victims and providing support to bereaved families.
Nightclub Releases Statement
The management of Jet Set Nightclub released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident. “The loss of human life leaves us in a state of deep pain and dismay. We pledge our full cooperation with the authorities as investigations begin,” the statement read.
Ongoing Investigation
While the exact cause of the collapse remains unknown, engineers and safety officials have been deployed to examine the structural integrity of the building and assess whether any negligence or violations contributed to the tragedy.
This marks one of the deadliest nightclub disasters in the region in recent memory, and the Dominican Republic has declared a period of national mourning in honor of the lives lost.
