Among the victims is beloved merengue singer Rubby Pérez; rescue operations continue as families await answers
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — April 9, 2025 – A tragic scene unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday as the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo suddenly collapsed during a packed merengue concert, killing at least 98 people and injuring more than 160 others. The accident has sent shockwaves across the Dominican Republic and the broader Caribbean music community, prompting urgent calls for answers as officials launch an investigation.
The incident occurred just after midnight at the historic venue, which has been a cornerstone of the country’s nightlife for nearly five decades. The club was hosting a performance by famed merengue singer Rubby Pérez, a Dominican music legend, who was among those killed in the collapse.
The Jet Set nightclub, located along Avenida Independencia in the capital, was filled with fans, politicians, local celebrities, and athletes. Witnesses described a packed dancefloor, vibrant with music and movement, when the roof of the single-story building suddenly gave way, plunging concrete and debris onto the crowd below.
Beloved Singer Among the Dead
Rubby Pérez, one of the most recognizable voices in Dominican merengue, was on stage when the ceiling came down. Known for hits like “Buscando Tus Besos” and “Enamorado de Ella,” Pérez had enjoyed a career spanning four decades. His death has stunned fans and fellow musicians alike.
“Rubby wasn’t just a singer—he was a symbol of our culture,” said Carolina de León, a longtime fan who attended nearly every concert he performed at Jet Set. “Losing him this way feels surreal. It’s not just about the music; it’s about losing a part of who we are.”
Social media has been flooded with tributes to Pérez, with many Dominicans expressing deep sorrow and sharing memories of his live performances, especially at Jet Set, which had become almost synonymous with his name.
Rescue Operations Continue
As of Wednesday morning, emergency responders were still combing through the wreckage, searching for any remaining survivors or victims trapped beneath the debris. Rescue dogs, heavy machinery, and dozens of firefighters and paramedics have been deployed to the scene.
Many survivors described scenes of chaos, screaming, and darkness as the ceiling collapsed. “It happened so fast. One minute we were dancing, the next we were on the floor under metal and concrete,” said 28-year-old Alejandro Ramos, who suffered a broken arm and was treated at a nearby hospital.
The Ministry of Health reported that of the 160 people injured, several remain in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll may rise further. Local hospitals, including Hospital Dr. Darío Contreras and Hospital Marcelino Vélez Santana, have been overwhelmed with patients.
Families Wait for News and Answers
Outside the venue, tearful families and friends have gathered since the early morning hours, desperate for updates about their loved ones. Volunteers and emergency workers have erected makeshift tents to provide information and distribute food and water to waiting crowds.
At the Institute of Forensic Science in Santo Domingo, dozens more waited in line throughout the day to identify the bodies of the deceased. Many clutched photos, IDs, or keepsakes in hopes of making a match.
“We haven’t heard anything about my sister since last night,” said Carmen Taveras, who came with her mother to the site. “We just want to know if she’s okay. Not knowing is the worst part.”
The government has not yet released an official list of victims but confirmed that identification efforts are underway. Authorities are expected to begin notifying families once identifications are confirmed.
Investigation Underway, Government Silent So Far
Despite the scale of the tragedy, Dominican authorities have yet to issue a formal statement or press conference as of this writing. However, officials familiar with the matter said a full structural investigation will be launched into the causes of the collapse.
While early speculation points to possible structural weaknesses or poor maintenance, officials have urged the public to avoid jumping to conclusions until expert assessments are completed. Jet Set, which has hosted countless major performers since the 1970s, had undergone some renovation work in recent years, but it remains unclear whether those upgrades included structural reinforcements.
Architect and civil engineer Luis Acosta told local media that aging infrastructure, combined with overcrowding or possible weather-related factors, could be to blame. “Many older buildings in Santo Domingo were not constructed with modern safety standards,” Acosta noted. “When you factor in decades of wear and heavy occupancy, it becomes a real risk.”
A National Mourning in the Making
Although the government has yet to formally declare a day of mourning, public sentiment is already treating this as a national tragedy. Churches and cultural institutions across the country have announced prayer vigils, while television and radio stations suspended regular programming to pay tribute to the victims.
“This is not just a nightclub tragedy—it’s a cultural catastrophe,” said music historian Julio Fiallo. “Jet Set was a cultural temple, and Rubby Pérez was one of its high priests.”
Many have also expressed frustration at the lack of immediate government response. Social media campaigns using the hashtag #JusticiaParaJetSet are gaining traction, calling for transparency, accountability, and stricter safety inspections at public venues.
Legacy of Jet Set and Rubby Pérez
For Dominicans, the Jet Set nightclub was more than just a music venue—it was a social institution. Over the years, it hosted legends of salsa, merengue, and bachata, becoming a rite of passage for music lovers and performers alike.
Rubby Pérez, who began his career with Wilfrido Vargas’ band in the 1980s before launching a successful solo career, was a regular fixture at Jet Set. His deep, emotive voice and energetic stage presence earned him admiration both locally and internationally.
In the wake of his passing, fans have been gathering outside the venue with candles, flowers, and handwritten notes. A spontaneous memorial has begun to take shape along the sidewalk.
Looking Ahead
As rescue operations continue and the full scope of the tragedy unfolds, the Dominican Republic finds itself in mourning, grappling not just with the loss of lives, but the loss of one of its most beloved cultural spaces.
With questions still swirling about the cause of the collapse, many are now asking: Could this have been prevented? And what must be done to ensure it never happens again?
Authorities are expected to hold a press briefing in the coming days. For now, a nation waits—for answers, for justice, and for a path forward after one of the deadliest nightclub disasters in its history.
