The roof collapse at the popular Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo’s El Malecón thoroughfare has claimed the lives of at least 225 people, including 17 US citizens, making it one of the deadliest tragedies in the Caribbean country’s history. The incident occurred during a celebratory event on Tuesday morning, leaving hundreds more injured.
Rubber Pérez, a beloved merengue singer, was among those killed. His death has sent shockwaves throughout the country as investigators frantically seek to determine the cause of the disaster.
At least 189 people were injured in the disaster. Many who died suffered from traumatic head injuries due to falling debris on their heads and chests. Search efforts took a toll on rescue workers, with one stating that hearing trapped people scream for help was difficult.
President Luis Abinader announced an extension of the initial three-day period of mourning to six days in response to the tragedy. The investigation into the disaster’s cause is ongoing, led by experts from both within and outside the Dominican Republic.
The nightclub, which had a capacity of up to 500 people, was built over 50 years ago without steel rebar, raising questions about its structural integrity. Puerto Rican firefighter Joel Figueroa speculated that the building may not have been able to carry the weight of the roof.
Family members of victims expressed frustration with the pace of recovery efforts and pain at being unable to identify their relatives. The Jet Set’s owner stated that they are cooperating fully with authorities and remain in constant communication with emergency teams and institutions.
The incident has left the country mourning, with many notable figures in Dominican culture, sports, and politics among the dead. Pérez was known as the “Loudest Voice in Merengue” and saved his daughter’s life during a performance when the ceiling collapsed.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/10/americas/what-happened-dominican-republic-collapse-latam-intl/index.html