Tragic Nightclub Collapse Kills 27, Including Governor and Music Star

Devastating Nightclub Collapse Claims 27 Lives During Concert

Tragedy struck in Santo Domingo when the roof of the popular Jet Set nightclub suddenly collapsed during a live performance on Tuesday, April 8. The catastrophic incident has left at least 27 people dead and more than 120 injured, with emergency crews still searching for survivors trapped in the rubble.

Among the confirmed fatalities is Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province, sending shockwaves through the Dominican Republic’s political community. The disaster occurred while beloved merengue singer Rubby Pérez was performing on stage, roughly an hour into his midnight concert.

Performer’s Harrowing Experience During the Collapse

Pérez survived the collapse but was among the injured, according to officials. His manager, Enrique Paulino, spoke to reporters with blood visible on his shirt, describing the terrifying moments when disaster struck.

“It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner,” Paulino recounted, adding that he initially thought they were experiencing an earthquake. The collapse claimed the life of the group’s saxophonist, adding to the devastating toll of the tragedy.

The incident occurred approximately one hour after the concert began at midnight, turning what should have been a night of celebration and music into one of the country’s worst nightclub disasters in recent memory.

Desperate Search for Survivors Continues

Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, expressed hope that more survivors would be found beneath the rubble. “We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble,” he stated with determination.

The scene outside the nightclub was one of chaos and anguish as friends and family members gathered, desperately seeking information about their loved ones. Emergency personnel had to plead with crowds to make way for ambulances rushing to and from the disaster site.

At a nearby hospital, officials read aloud the names of survivors as anxious onlookers called out, hoping to hear familiar names. The full extent of injuries remains unclear as medical teams work tirelessly to treat the wounded.

President Abinader Responds to the Crisis

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader quickly responded to the disaster, arriving at the scene to comfort those searching for friends and relatives. Visibly moved, he embraced grieving citizens as tears streamed down their faces.

“We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred,” Abinader wrote on X, assuring the public that all rescue agencies were “working tirelessly” to help those affected.

Investigation Into the Cause Begins

While rescue efforts remain the primary focus, questions about what caused the catastrophic roof failure have already begun to surface. Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the collapse, which occurred without warning during the performance.

Local building safety experts will likely examine weather conditions, structural integrity, and possible maintenance issues in the coming days. The Jet Set nightclub was a popular entertainment venue in Santo Domingo, regularly hosting concerts and events featuring prominent performers.

Community in Mourning as Tragedy Unfolds

The disaster has sent shockwaves through the Dominican Republic’s entertainment community, with social media flooding with tributes to the victims and prayers for the injured. Fellow musicians and celebrities have expressed solidarity with Rubby Pérez and the families of those affected.

As the rescue operation continues, the nation holds its breath, hoping for miraculous survivals amid the rubble. This tragedy marks one of the deadliest structural collapses in the country’s history and will likely prompt renewed scrutiny of building safety regulations throughout the Dominican Republic.

Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this devastating event. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available about the victims, the survivors, and the investigation into the cause of this heartbreaking disaster.