Tragedy struck in the Dominican Republic as a nightclub ceiling collapsed during a concert, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 90 others, with emergency services racing against time to rescue survivors trapped under the debris.
Quick Takes
- At least 13 people were killed and over 90 injured when the ceiling of the Jet Set Club nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a concert.
- The catastrophe occurred while the venue was packed with concertgoers.
- A massive emergency response included 77 ambulances, eight fire trucks, 200 police officers, and 50 soldiers.
- Eight hospitals were placed on red alert to handle the injured, with approximately 125 people transferred to various health centers.
- President Luis Abinader has personally monitored the situation, while families anxiously wait outside for news of loved ones.
Catastrophic Collapse During Crowded Concert
What began as a night of music and celebration at the Jet Set Club in Santo Domingo turned into a scene of horror when the venue’s ceiling suddenly gave way. The nightclub was filled with patrons enjoying a live band performance when the structural failure occurred. Video footage captured the terrifying moments as people scrambled to escape the dance floor while debris rained down. Among the confirmed fatalities was the band’s saxophonist, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the tragedy that has sent shockwaves through the Dominican Republic.
Massive Emergency Response Mobilized
Dominican authorities launched an immediate and comprehensive response to the disaster. The Emergency Operations Center, under the leadership of Juan Manuel Méndez, coordinated the deployment of 77 ambulances, eight fire trucks, and 30 Civil Defense rescuers to the scene. Approximately 200 National Police members and 50 soldiers joined the rescue efforts, working tirelessly to locate and extract survivors from under the collapsed structure. Eight hospitals throughout the area, including Cuban, Royal, Modern, and UCE medical centers, were placed on red alert to receive and treat the injured.
A tragic incident has occurred in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed early in the morning.
The collapse took place during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Pérez, resulting in significant loss of life and injuries.
Reports… pic.twitter.com/yPSLOdC9Lj— The Business Times (@tbtimes_kenya) April 8, 2025
Ongoing Rescue Efforts and National Response
As rescue operations continue, reports indicate that some survivors have been communicating from beneath the rubble, giving hope to rescuers and anxious families. The Dominican Republic National Police released footage of the recovery operation, showing the extensive damage and challenging conditions facing emergency personnel. Journalist Anibelca Rosario reported that at least 125 people were transferred to various health centers for treatment, underscoring the scale of the medical response required. The fate of popular singer Rubby Perez, who was scheduled to perform, remains unknown.
Families Wait in Anguish
Outside the collapsed nightclub, a gathering of family members and friends of those believed to be inside has formed, with many desperately seeking information about their loved ones. The uncertainty has only compounded the emotional toll of the disaster, with one person at the scene telling reporters, “We don’t know anything, no one is answering their phones.” Emergency operations chief Mendez reportedly “has not slept” as he oversees the continuous rescue efforts. This tragedy follows another recent nightclub disaster in North Macedonia, where a fire resulted in multiple casualties.
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Nightclub horror leaves 18 dead and 120 injured as roof collapses in on dance floor
Dominican Republic nightclub collapse kills at least 13 as roof plunges onto packed dancefloor
