15 dead in Dominican Republic nightclub collapse during live performance, over 100 hospitalized
Pranjal Chandra | Apr 08, 2025, 19:42 IST
( Image credit : AP )
A tragic roof collapse at Santo Domingo's famed Jet Set nightclub during a Rubby Pérez performance has claimed at least 15 lives, with over 100 injured. The U.S. Embassy is monitoring the situation, as American tourists are potentially among the victims. Structural failure is suspected, and investigations are underway.
Tragedy struck early Tuesday morning when the roof of a famed nightclub in the Dominican capital, Santo Domingo, collapsed during a packed performance, leaving at least 15 people dead and sending more than 100 to nearby hospitals. Among the injured are believed to be several American tourists, as the Jet Set nightclub is a popular hotspot for international visitors.
The catastrophe unfolded around 2 a.m. local time at the Jet Set nightclub, a legendary venue in the National District of Santo Domingo, during a live performance by iconic merengue artist Rubby Pérez. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, but initial reports from Dominican authorities suggest structural failure as a likely cause, though foul play has not yet been ruled out.
American citizens possibly among victims
The U.S. State Department has not yet confirmed whether any American citizens are among the deceased or injured, but the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has acknowledged the incident and said it is “closely monitoring the situation.” A spokesperson added that the embassy is in contact with local authorities and prepared to assist any American nationals affected by the disaster.
Jet Set nightclub is a well-known venue frequented by tourists from across the Americas, especially during the spring break season when many Americans travel to the Caribbean. Social media posts from those at the concert suggest a packed house at the time of the collapse.
“We heard a loud crack, and then everything came down so fast. People were screaming and running, trying to get out. It was chaos,” said Ashley Martinez, a tourist from Miami who was at the venue and managed to escape with minor injuries.
Mass casualty response underway
Local emergency services responded rapidly, with 101 ambulance transfers reported, although the number of actual patients may be higher due to multiple casualties being transported in the same vehicles. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of Emergency Management Operations for the Dominican Republic, confirmed that search and rescue efforts were still ongoing late into Tuesday afternoon.
“We are still working, searching for people in the rubble. We presume that many of them are still alive, that’s why the authorities here with their teams will not stop until we find the last person in that rubble,” Méndez said in an Instagram video shared by the Dominican Republic National Police.
Drone footage from the site shows the once-iconic venue now reduced to twisted metal and rubble, with first responders combing through debris with heavy machinery and search dogs. The operation is being treated as a top national priority.
Leadership reacts to crisis
Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó issued a somber statement on social media Tuesday morning, calling it a “terrible tragedy.”
“My deepest sympathy goes out to the families still waiting for news of their loved ones,” she wrote. She added that the city's national disaster response committee is fully engaged in rescue and recovery efforts.
The Dominican government has promised a full investigation into the collapse, and engineers are expected to conduct structural assessments of similar venues across the capital in the coming days.
Jet set: a cultural landmark
For decades, Jet Set nightclub has been a cornerstone of Santo Domingo’s nightlife, hosting performances from Latin music royalty and attracting partygoers from around the world. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and high-profile lineups, the club’s tragic collapse marks a devastating moment in the city’s cultural history.
Rubby Pérez, the performer on stage at the time, was reportedly unharmed. He has not yet issued a public statement.
U.S. citizens advised to stay informed
The U.S. Embassy has advised American travelers in the Dominican Republic to follow local news updates, remain in contact with friends and family, and contact the embassy if they require assistance. Family members of potential victims are urged to reach out to the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs for updates.
As search crews continue to work tirelessly through the rubble, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of public spaces and the importance of rigorous safety standards, especially in venues that draw international crowds.
The catastrophe unfolded around 2 a.m. local time at the Jet Set nightclub, a legendary venue in the National District of Santo Domingo, during a live performance by iconic merengue artist Rubby Pérez. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, but initial reports from Dominican authorities suggest structural failure as a likely cause, though foul play has not yet been ruled out.
American citizens possibly among victims
The U.S. State Department has not yet confirmed whether any American citizens are among the deceased or injured, but the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has acknowledged the incident and said it is “closely monitoring the situation.” A spokesperson added that the embassy is in contact with local authorities and prepared to assist any American nationals affected by the disaster.
Jet Set nightclub is a well-known venue frequented by tourists from across the Americas, especially during the spring break season when many Americans travel to the Caribbean. Social media posts from those at the concert suggest a packed house at the time of the collapse.
“We heard a loud crack, and then everything came down so fast. People were screaming and running, trying to get out. It was chaos,” said Ashley Martinez, a tourist from Miami who was at the venue and managed to escape with minor injuries.
Mass casualty response underway
Local emergency services responded rapidly, with 101 ambulance transfers reported, although the number of actual patients may be higher due to multiple casualties being transported in the same vehicles. Juan Manuel Méndez, director of Emergency Management Operations for the Dominican Republic, confirmed that search and rescue efforts were still ongoing late into Tuesday afternoon.
“We are still working, searching for people in the rubble. We presume that many of them are still alive, that’s why the authorities here with their teams will not stop until we find the last person in that rubble,” Méndez said in an Instagram video shared by the Dominican Republic National Police.
Drone footage from the site shows the once-iconic venue now reduced to twisted metal and rubble, with first responders combing through debris with heavy machinery and search dogs. The operation is being treated as a top national priority.
Leadership reacts to crisis
Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía de Garrigó issued a somber statement on social media Tuesday morning, calling it a “terrible tragedy.”
“My deepest sympathy goes out to the families still waiting for news of their loved ones,” she wrote. She added that the city's national disaster response committee is fully engaged in rescue and recovery efforts.
The Dominican government has promised a full investigation into the collapse, and engineers are expected to conduct structural assessments of similar venues across the capital in the coming days.
Jet set: a cultural landmark
For decades, Jet Set nightclub has been a cornerstone of Santo Domingo’s nightlife, hosting performances from Latin music royalty and attracting partygoers from around the world. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and high-profile lineups, the club’s tragic collapse marks a devastating moment in the city’s cultural history.
Rubby Pérez, the performer on stage at the time, was reportedly unharmed. He has not yet issued a public statement.
U.S. citizens advised to stay informed
The U.S. Embassy has advised American travelers in the Dominican Republic to follow local news updates, remain in contact with friends and family, and contact the embassy if they require assistance. Family members of potential victims are urged to reach out to the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs for updates.
As search crews continue to work tirelessly through the rubble, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of public spaces and the importance of rigorous safety standards, especially in venues that draw international crowds.