A devastating roof collapse at the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has left at least 221 people dead and more than 200 injured in one of the deadliest nightclub disasters in recent history. The collapse occurred just after midnight on April 8, 2025, during a packed concert headlined by legendary merengue artist Rubby Pérez, who is among those who tragically lost their lives.
Authorities confirmed that over 700 people were in the venue at the time, with some estimates suggesting the crowd may have reached 1,000. The collapse triggered a chaotic rescue effort involving more than 4,500 emergency responders, who worked tirelessly for nearly 59 hours to locate survivors trapped under the rubble. A total of 189 individuals were rescued, with 17 currently hospitalized—several in critical condition.
Among the victims were several notable figures, including Jennifer Contreras, a 24-year-old New Jersey woman celebrating her birthday; Elvira Malkic, co-owner of Elity Art Gallery in New York City; and her husband Hakim Boubazine, former COO of Altice USA. Also killed were former Major League Baseball players Tony Blanco and Octavio Dotel, and Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi and sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz.
President Luis Abinader has declared a six-day period of national mourning, with flags flown at half-mast in memory of the victims. A memorial mass is scheduled for Sunday, where the President is expected to be in attendance. The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the country and across communities with close ties to the Dominican Republic, especially in the United States.
An official investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the collapse. Early reports suggest possible structural failures, but the full findings are still pending. The government has enlisted local and international engineering experts to assist in the inquiry. Antonio Espaillat, owner of the nightclub, has pledged full cooperation with authorities.
The National Institute of Forensic Pathology continues the painstaking task of identifying the deceased and coordinating the return of remains to their families. Meanwhile, international messages of sympathy and support have poured in. New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced plans to visit the Dominican Republic to express solidarity, given the large Dominican-American community in New York affected by the tragedy.
As the country mourns, questions about building safety regulations and enforcement are expected to become a major focus of public discourse in the coming days. For now, the Dominican Republic grieves an immense loss and honors the lives of those who perished in the heart of one of its most cherished cultural venues.