Nightclub Roof Collapse Leaves at Least 18 Dead in Dominican Republic

A catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has claimed the lives of at least 18 people and injured dozens more.

The incident occurred early Tuesday morning during a performance by renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez and his orchestra, with approximately 300 patrons inside the venue at the time. Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities search for survivors beneath the rubble.

Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), confirmed that over 100 individuals have been rescued alive so far.

Ambulances have made more than 100 trips to local hospitals, transporting victims for urgent medical care. Méndez expressed hope that more survivors could still be found beneath the debris, emphasizing that rescue teams will continue their efforts until every person is accounted for.

President Luis Abinader extended his condolences to the victims and their families via social media platform X. “We deeply regret the tragedy at the Jet Set nightclub. All rescue agencies are tirelessly working to assist those affected, and our prayers are with the families during this difficult time,” he wrote.

Images from local media depict a chaotic scene: collapsed cement walls, shattered debris, and emergency responders working tirelessly to locate survivors.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that patrons initially mistook the collapse for an earthquake due to the loud noise and sudden chaos. Rubby Pérez, who was on stage when the roof gave way, has been confirmed safe and in stable condition by his manager.

The Jet Set nightclub is a popular venue in Santo Domingo known for hosting dance music performances and merengue concerts. The cause of the roof collapse remains unclear, but authorities are investigating potential structural failures or other contributing factors.

This tragedy has drawn widespread attention both locally and internationally, with many expressing shock and grief over the loss of life. On Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, users have shared solidarity messages with Dominican citizens affected by the disaster. Meanwhile, community members in Santo Domingo gathered outside hospitals anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.

As rescue operations continue, this devastating event highlights concerns about building safety standards in crowded venues. Authorities are expected to release further updates as investigations progress and more information becomes available.

For now, the Dominican Republic mourns one of its most tragic incidents in recent memory.