Roof Collapse at Jet Set Club in Dominican Republic Kills Dozens: What We Know So Far

A tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has left at least 79 dead and more than 160 injured. The disaster struck just an hour into a merengue concert, sending shockwaves through the nation, as politicians, athletes, and locals were among the attendees. Rescue crews are still working tirelessly to search for survivors, while officials are left grappling with questions about what led to the collapse.

The incident occurred shortly after the concert of merengue star Rubby Pérez began. Known for its vibrant “Jet Set Mondays,” the club has been a beloved venue for over 40 years, attracting both international and local celebrities. On Tuesday, the roof of the iconic nightclub suddenly caved in, causing panic among the crowd.

A video circulating on social media shows parts of the ceiling falling just moments before the full collapse. As the roof crashed down, many tried to escape, but it was too late for some.

The first person to alert authorities about the disaster was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province and sister to seven-time MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. In a harrowing phone call to President Luis Abinader, Cruz informed him that she was trapped under the rubble. Tragically, Cruz later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.

Her death has added to the heartbreak for many, especially the Cruz family, and has magnified the sorrow felt across the Dominican Republic.

As of now, it’s still unclear why the roof collapsed. Dominican authorities have launched a full investigation, but the exact cause remains unknown. Rescue workers have been laboring through piles of concrete and debris, hoping to locate more survivors. There is also uncertainty surrounding the frequency of building inspections in the country, and when the last inspection of Jet Set occurred.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Public Works confirmed that they are fully cooperating with the investigation, but could not provide immediate details. Meanwhile, Jet Set’s owners have expressed their support for the investigation but have not been available for further comment.

The tragedy has shaken the sports community, with several notable figures among the victims. Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, who had been rescued from the wreckage and transported to the hospital, was confirmed dead later. Also among the casualties was Dominican baseball player Tony Blanco, known for his career in the Dominican and Japanese leagues.

The death of these figures has deeply affected the Dominican Republic’s baseball community, which is mourning the loss of both players and fans alike.

Meanwhile, Rubby Pérez’s manager reported that the singer, who was performing when the roof collapsed, was initially thought to have been rescued, but officials later stated that they were still looking for him. The saxophonist in Pérez’s group tragically did not survive.

Jet Set is more than just a nightclub; it’s a cultural landmark in the Dominican Republic. Established in 1973, it quickly became a staple for both locals and international visitors, particularly known for its “Jet Set Mondays” which hosted a mix of merengue, salsa, and other vibrant Caribbean music. The club had undergone renovations in 2010 and 2015 and was even struck by lightning in 2023.

For years, it was the go-to venue for both national and international stars, with general admission tickets for Monday’s concert priced at $32 and VIP tickets at $40.

As of late Tuesday afternoon, rescue operations continued, but authorities have yet to announce when they might shift from rescue to recovery efforts. While an in-depth investigation is underway, the government has not made any preliminary statements about the cause of the collapse. Prosecutor Rosalba Ramos emphasized that, for now, the priority is to continue the search for survivors.

Authorities are urging patience as they work through the difficult and dangerous task of rescuing those still trapped beneath the rubble.

The collapse at Jet Set has left an entire nation in mourning. As the hours pass, loved ones and families anxiously await news of survivors, while the country unites in grief for the loss of so many innocent lives, including beloved public figures. The Dominican Republic, a country where baseball and music are cultural cornerstones, is reeling from the shock of this tragedy.