Shocking nightclub collapse explained.
The roof of Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo came crashing down during a live concert, leaving horror, heartbreak, and hundreds of casualties in its wake.
Backstory of Jet Set’s rise detailed.
Jet Set was one of the country’s most iconic nightclubs. For decades, it played host to top-tier performers, politicians, and celebrities.
Known for its Monday night salsa shows, Jet Set wasn’t just a nightclub—it was a cultural institution, woven into the city’s nightlife identity.
From Marc Anthony to Romeo Santos, the club has welcomed Latin music royalty. Many now mourn what the club once represented.
Nightclub horror described.
The popular venue was packed when the collapse began around 1 a.m., just one hour into famed merengue singer Rubby Pérez’s set.
Disturbing footage shows fans moving cautiously as parts of the ceiling began to fall—only seconds before the entire roof caved in.
Within moments, the dance floor turned to devastation, with fans crushed beneath steel and concrete as screams rang out.
The collapse has rocked the nation, with flags flown at half-mast and three official days of mourning declared by President Luis Abinader.
Victims of nightclub incident identified.
At least 124 people have been confirmed dead, with over 255 others injured—many critically—according to local emergency agencies.
Among the deceased: MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and Dominican baseball standout Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, per league spokesman Satosky Terrero.
Nelsy Cruz, sister to MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz and Montecristi’s governor, reportedly called the president from beneath the wreckage before succumbing to her injuries.
Rubby Pérez himself—who was mid-performance—was later found dead. His saxophonist, Luis Solis, also lost his life in the collapse.
Victims include Venezuelan bartenders, an army officer, a cardiologist, a retired police officer, and the brother of the vice minister of the Ministry of Youth.
Grupo Popular confirmed the deaths of three employees, including AFP Popular Bank’s president and his wife.
So far, just 54 of the 124 dead have been formally identified, leaving dozens of families in limbo, clinging to hope or bracing for grief.
Senator Marco Rubio confirmed at least one U.S. citizen and several U.S. permanent residents are among the dead or missing.
Tributes for deceased highlighted.
Rubio tweeted: “Jeanette and I are united in prayer… The U.S. stands ready to support our Dominican allies amid this difficult time.”
President Abinader added: “We deeply regret the tragedy… Rescue agencies are working tirelessly… Our prayers are with the affected families.”
Former Health Minister Daniel Rivera said: “There’s a lot of pain. We need to have a lot of patience.”
Kimberly Jones told PA she’s still searching for her niece and godson, artist Osiris Blanc. “It was their favorite place… they went almost every Monday.”
Wilson Casado told NBC News he’s still awaiting word on multiple missing family members: “We just hope they’re at a hospital.”
MLB legend Pedro Martinez shared his heartbreak online, revealing members of his own family were at Jet Set that night.
“We’re all sad. We’re all affected by the tragedy,” Martinez said in a somber Instagram post.
Jet Set issued a translated statement: “There are no words to express the pain this event has caused… we share your anguish.”
“To you, mothers, fathers, siblings, children, and loved ones… you can count on us,” the club added in its public message.
Details of investigation unveiled.
Authorities say the full cause of the collapse is still under investigation, but all signs point to possible structural failure—if not worse.
Jet Set had recently completed renovations. Whether those renovations contributed to the collapse remains a central point of inquiry.
Locals have spoken out, claiming the club was often overcrowded and that safety concerns had been raised in the past—but never addressed.
A community in mourning.
Prayer circles have formed outside the wreckage, as locals gather to light candles and chant hymns for the missing and deceased.
Emergency services say they are still searching the rubble, refusing to give up hope. “We’re going to search tirelessly,” said Juan Manuel Méndez.
Experts believe a combination of overcrowding and weak structural supports may have contributed, but no official cause has been confirmed.
Just 60 minutes into the night’s set, with drinks flowing and music pumping, the entire ceiling gave way—burying a generation of dreams beneath it.