15 Dead at a Nightclub: Tragedy struck Santo Domingo early Tuesday morning when the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub collapsed, leaving at least 15 dead at a nightclub scene and dozens injured. The incident occurred during a live merengue performance by renowned Dominican artist Rubby Perez, drawing hundreds to the famed entertainment venue.
According to Dominican Republic police, the cause of the collapse remains unknown, sparking immediate investigations and widespread concern over building safety in the region. The nightclub, located in the National District of Santo Domingo, is one of the most recognized venues in the country and was reportedly at full capacity when the structure gave way.
Emergency Crews Respond to 15 Dead at a Nightclub Tragedy
Juan Manuel Mendez, director of Emergency Management Operations, confirmed the death toll via a video statement posted around 8 a.m. local time on Instagram. Mendez reported 101 ambulance transfers to various hospitals throughout the capital city and emphasized that search and rescue operations are ongoing.
“We are still working, searching for people in the rubble. We presume that many of them are still alive,” Mendez said. “That’s why the authorities here with their teams will not stop until we find the last person in that rubble.”
The search for survivors is now in its second day, with specialized rescue teams and firefighters carefully removing debris from the scene in hopes of locating additional victims who may be trapped.
Mayor Speaks Out Following 15 Dead at a Nightclub Collapse
Santo Domingo’s Mayor, Carolina Mejía de Garrigó, expressed her sorrow and solidarity with the victims’ families in a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter):
“Our city wakes up to a terrible tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. My deepest sympathy goes out to the families still waiting for news of their loved ones.”
Mejía confirmed that the city’s national disaster response committee has been activated and is coordinating efforts with emergency medical services, structural engineers, and local law enforcement to manage the aftermath.
15 Dead at a Nightclub Sparks Investigations and Safety Reviews
Authorities have not released any official statement about what may have caused the roof to collapse, but structural engineers have been dispatched to assess the site. The building, popular for decades and regularly hosting top-tier musical acts, had no publicly known history of structural issues, adding to the shock and confusion surrounding the catastrophe.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud cracking noise moments before the collapse. Some patrons believed it was part of the musical effects until dust and debris began to fall from the ceiling. Panic quickly set in as the roof caved, crushing tables, lighting, and equipment, and trapping people underneath.
“It was chaos. People were screaming, pushing, and trying to get out. I still can’t believe it happened,” said María González, a survivor who escaped with minor injuries.
Dominican Government Promises Full Accountability
President Luis Abinader has yet to release a formal statement, but sources close to the administration say a national inquiry into the incident is underway. The government has also pledged to cover the medical expenses of survivors and the funeral costs for those who died.
Public safety advocates and opposition leaders have already called for stricter regulations on building safety codes, especially in public entertainment venues.
“This tragedy must be a turning point,” said opposition senator Juan José Rojas. “No family should suffer such loss due to preventable causes.”
15 Dead at a Nightclub Tragedy Reverberates Through Latin Music Community
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Dominican music industry. Rubby Perez, the merengue singer performing during the collapse, is reportedly unharmed but emotionally devastated. In a brief statement, his management team said:
“Rubby is safe but heartbroken. He sends his deepest condolences to the families affected and is praying for the recovery of the injured.”
Several prominent Latin artists have taken to social media to express grief and support for the victims.
Public Vigil and Mourning for the 15 Dead at a Nightclub
A public vigil is scheduled to be held outside the Jet Set nightclub on Wednesday evening, where citizens will gather to honor the memory of those lost in the disaster. Local churches and community centers have also opened their doors to provide psychological counseling and grief support to affected families.
A Nation Mourns After 15 Dead at a Nightclub
As the Dominican Republic comes to terms with one of the deadliest nightclub disasters in its history, the question of accountability remains front and center. With at least 15 dead at a nightclub, the community, law enforcement, and government leaders face the challenging task of rebuilding trust and ensuring such a disaster never happens again.
The coming days will be crucial, not only for search and recovery efforts but also for the broader national conversation around public safety, structural integrity, and emergency preparedness.
