In the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, what began as a festive night of music and celebration at the popular Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, turned into a scene of devastation when the venue's roof suddenly collapsed during a performance by renowned merengue singer Rubby Pérez. The tragedy has claimed at least 27 lives and left more than 150 people injured, with rescue operations continuing as authorities search for survivors among the rubble.
The Collapse: What We Know
The incident occurred shortly before 1:00 AM local time, approximately one hour after Pérez's concert had begun. According to eyewitness accounts, there were warning signs moments before the catastrophe struck. Video footage circulating on social media captured a man pointing toward the ceiling and saying, "Something fell from the ceiling," just seconds before a loud crash plunged the venue into darkness and chaos Arise.tv1.
Enrique Paulino, the manager of Pérez's musical group, described the terrifying moment: "It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner," he told reporters at the scene, his shirt visibly spattered with blood. Paulino initially thought an earthquake had struck MyNBC52.
The one-story Jet Set nightclub, an iconic venue known for its traditional Monday parties featuring renowned national and international artists, was reportedly filled to capacity at the time of the collapse MyNBC52.
Casualties and Notable Victims
The human toll of this tragedy continues to mount as rescue operations proceed. The latest reports confirm at least 27 fatalities and more than 150 injuries Arise.tv1. Among the confirmed deceased is Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi, while the injured include legislator Bray Vargas MyNBC52.
The collapse also claimed the life of a saxophonist from Pérez's band, according to manager Enrique Paulino New York Post3.
In a development that has captured international attention, former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel was among those initially feared trapped in the rubble. The 51-year-old Santo Domingo native, who enjoyed a distinguished 15-season MLB career with 13 different teams and won a World Series championship with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, has since been successfully rescued and confirmed alive New York Post3.
Reports concerning Rubby Pérez himself have been mixed, with some sources suggesting he may be among those trapped, though his current status remains unconfirmed as rescue operations continue BBC News4.
Rescue Efforts and Emergency Response
An extensive emergency response operation was immediately mobilized following the collapse. Ambulances have made over 100 trips to nearby hospitals, sometimes carrying multiple patients per journey. Local hospitals are working at capacity to treat the injured, with 31 victims reportedly taken to Dr. Dario Contreras Hospital alone, where 12 are in critical condition New York Post3.
Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, expressed determination in the ongoing rescue effort: "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" MyNBC52.
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader visited the scene personally and has confirmed that "all rescue agencies are working tirelessly" to help those affected by the tragedy PEOPLE5.
Outside the damaged nightclub, an official with a megaphone has been imploring the large crowd of concerned family members and onlookers to give ambulances space to operate, while at one hospital, officials have been reading aloud the names of survivors as anxious relatives gather around MyNBC52.
Investigation into Causes
While the exact cause of the roof collapse has not yet been determined, authorities have launched an investigation into the incident Arise.tv1.
Video evidence showing that a portion of the ceiling may have been showing signs of failure moments before the complete collapse could provide crucial clues for investigators. The man heard in the footage pointing out that "something fell from the ceiling" seconds before the major collapse suggests there might have been warning signs of structural issues Arise.tv1.
Local officials have urged the public to stay away from the area as emergency operations continue and the investigation progresses Arise.tv1.
Human Impact
Beyond the statistics, the human dimension of this tragedy is profound. Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son attended the concert but did not return home, was among those anxiously waiting outside the club. "We're holding on only to God," he told reporters, encapsulating the anguish of many families awaiting news of their loved ones MyNBC52.
The proximity of the tragedy to daily life was further illustrated in a heartbreaking moment captured in video footage, where a woman's voice can be heard crying out, "Dad, what's happened to you?" as the venue plunged into darkness BBC News4.
President Abinader expressed his condolences on social media, writing: "We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred" MyNBC52.
Looking Forward
As rescue operations continue and investigators begin their work to determine the cause of this devastating collapse, the Santo Domingo community and the entire Dominican Republic are in mourning. The coming days will likely bring more clarity about both the circumstances that led to this tragedy and the final toll in human lives.
Questions about building safety regulations and enforcement in the region may also emerge as the investigation progresses, though at present, the focus remains firmly on rescue efforts and providing care to the injured.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how quickly everyday moments of celebration can turn to disaster, and the importance of building safety standards in public venues. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the first responders working tirelessly at the scene.
This report will be updated as more information becomes available. Last updated: April 8, 2025.
