Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic — Nearly 100 people are confirmed dead and 160 others injured after a roof collapse at the iconic Jet Set nightclub.
The disaster struck during a merengue concert attended by several prominent figures, including politicians, athletes, and celebrities.
Authorities immediately began combing through the wreckage for survivors. Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the country’s Center of Emergency Operations, said rescue workers would not rest until they were sure no one remained trapped under the rubble. “We presume that many of them are still alive,” Méndez said, “and that is why the authorities here will not give up.”
Hours after the collapse, the scene resembled a war zone. Firefighters used power tools to cut through concrete, pried up wreckage with makeshift wooden planks, and listened for signs of life.
The one-story structure pancaked down onto patrons shortly after midnight, creating a chaotic and deadly environment.
The confirmed death toll includes Nelsy Cruz, a local government official and sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz. According to First Lady Raquel Abinader, Cruz called the president moments after the collapse, reporting she was trapped. Tragically, she later died at the hospital.
President Abinader wrote on X that all rescue agencies are “working tirelessly” to help those affected.
“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred,” he wrote.
Baseball fans were also stunned to hear conflicting reports regarding retired MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel. He was reportedly rescued but later pronounced dead, according to the Dominican Republic’s professional baseball league. It’s unclear if these reports have been officially confirmed by medical personnel.
Among the injured are legislator Bray Vargas and legendary merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing at the time. His band’s saxophonist was killed instantly.
Pérez’s manager, Enrique Paulino, described the horrifying moment the roof caved in, comparing it to an earthquake. “It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner,” he said, still visibly shaken and bloodied.
While the cause of the collapse remains unknown, many are asking tough questions: When was the building last inspected? Was the structure up to code? So far, neither the Ministry of Public Works nor the mayor’s office has provided answers.
Jet Set nightclub issued a carefully worded statement expressing sorrow for the loss of life and pledging full cooperation with investigators. But for grieving families and a devastated nation, condolences aren’t enough.
President Luis Abinader visited the site personally, hugging mourners and vowing that the government would spare no effort in the rescue operation. “We have faith in God that we will rescue even more people alive,” he told reporters.
The tragedy underscores long-standing concerns about infrastructure oversight and public safety in the Dominican Republic. In a country still battling corruption and weak enforcement of regulations, this devastating incident may become a turning point for reform—if the government is willing to act.