A night of music and celebration turned into heartbreak in the Dominican Republic after the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub collapsed early Tuesday morning. At least 12 people have died and over 45 were injured in the tragic event, with rescue operations ongoing as authorities race against time to locate and save those still trapped.
General Juan Manuel Méndez, the head of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), confirmed the numbers during a morning briefing and urged the public to avoid the area as emergency teams continue their search. Among the injured is legendary merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who had been performing at the time of the incident. His manager, Fernando Soto, confirmed Pérez was among those trapped under the rubble.
The Collapse Happened in an Instant
Witnesses described the horror as sudden and overwhelming. One moment, the music was blaring, and the next, the ceiling came crashing down.
Screams and chaos filled the air as partygoers rushed to escape. The popular venue, typically a place of joy and celebration, became a site of unimaginable fear.
People clung to each other, some bleeding, others covered in dust, trying to find their way out in the dark. The collapse left parts of the building exposed, and twisted metal and shattered glass littered the dance floor.
A Race Against Time for Survivors
Search and rescue crews began work within minutes of the collapse, but the situation remains critical.
-
Cries for help have been heard from under the debris, giving rescuers critical leads.
-
Several trapped individuals have used their phones to contact loved ones, helping direct emergency workers to their locations.
-
Authorities say communication from within the wreckage has been “instrumental” in prioritizing rescue zones.
-
Emergency crews are working around the clock, but the structural instability poses major risks.
-
Emotional scenes continue to unfold as family members await any news on their loved ones outside the cordoned-off site.
General Méndez emphasized that every branch of the country’s disaster response system has been mobilized for this effort.
A National Response in Full Swing
The collapse has drawn an unprecedented mobilization from multiple agencies and branches of government.
The Dominican Republic Navy, the Fire Department, Comipol, Digesett, and others have coordinated in what Méndez described as an “all hands on deck” response. Crews are not only digging through the rubble but also monitoring for potential secondary collapses.
Police have urged the public to stay away from the site. Crowds of worried relatives and bystanders have gathered nonetheless, adding tension to an already high-stress environment. The government is expected to set up a temporary family support center nearby.
What Caused the Collapse?
As of now, there are more questions than answers.
Authorities have not confirmed what led to the partial roof collapse, but structural engineers have been dispatched to the site. The building, which hosted hundreds of events each year, was thought to be in good condition.
“We don’t have a census, but we do know from the videos that there were many people inside,” Méndez told reporters. Early videos and photos shared on social media show a tightly packed crowd enjoying the concert before the collapse.
Officials have said the area will remain closed to the public for as long as it takes to finish both rescue operations and forensic investigations.
Jet Set’s Legacy Now Marred by Disaster
For decades, Jet Set was synonymous with nightlife in the capital.
Its live music scene, flashy lights, and energetic atmosphere drew celebrities, tourists, and locals alike. Rubby Pérez himself is a frequent performer and crowd favorite.
Tuesday’s disaster changes everything. The venue, once seen as a staple of the city’s cultural identity, is now the subject of grief and scrutiny. Whether it reopens in the future is uncertain.
Survivors have described their anguish in gut-wrenching interviews. One woman who escaped with a broken arm said she “felt like the ceiling was falling forever.” Another said, “It was supposed to be a night to remember — and it was, just not in the way we imagined.”
