A tragic incident struck the Dominican Republic’s capital early Tuesday when the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub collapsed during a merengue concert.
The event, attended by celebrities, athletes, and politicians, left at least 98 dead and 160 injured, according to authorities.
Emergency crews continued to search for survivors in the rubble of the one-story venue in Santo Domingo, with Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the Center of Emergency Operations, emphasizing their ongoing efforts: “We’re going to search tirelessly for people.”
Rescue teams worked through the day, carefully removing debris and listening for signs of life beneath the wreckage. The scene was filled with the sound of drills and saws as they used makeshift wooden planks to lift concrete slabs.
The disaster occurred nearly an hour into the performance by famed merengue singer Rubby Pérez.
While initial reports claimed Pérez had been rescued, Méndez later clarified that he was still missing. His manager, Enrique Paulino, described the moment the roof gave way, saying it felt like an earthquake and killed the group’s saxophonist.
Among the victims was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of baseball star Nelson Cruz. She had contacted President Luis Abinader shortly after the collapse, reporting she was trapped. She later died in the hospital, First Lady Raquel Abraje confirmed.
The Dominican Republic’s Professional Baseball League announced the deaths of former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and baseball player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera.
Outside the nightclub, relatives held vigils, singing hymns and clinging to hope. Some, like Manuel Olivo Ortiz and Massiel Cuevas, waited anxiously for news of their loved ones who hadn’t returned home from the concert. Ortiz said, “We’re holding on only to God,” while Cuevas insisted her goddaughter was still alive inside.
President Abinader, who visited the site and met with grieving families, assured that all rescue agencies were fully mobilized. “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at Jet Set,” he posted on X, adding, “We have faith in God that we will rescue even more people alive.”
Officials haven’t yet determined the cause of the collapse or the date of the club’s last inspection. The nightclub’s owner, Antonio Espaillat, returned to the country and released a statement expressing deep sorrow and a commitment to cooperate with authorities.
In the aftermath, a makeshift morgue was set up nearby, and over 120 people donated blood at local centers.
At hospitals, officials read survivor names aloud as families gathered in tense anticipation. Meanwhile, forensic authorities shared victim images to aid in identification.
As investigations continue, the nation mourns one of its worst nightclub disasters in recent memory.
