On the night of April 8, 2025, joy turned into horror at Jet Set Tragedy, one of Santo Domingo’s most iconic nightclubs. What was supposed to be a high-energy night of live music ended in tragedy when the club’s roof suddenly collapsed, leaving over 120 people dead and many more injured.
This wasn’t just another accident. This was a national heartbreak — one that took the lives of musicians, athletes, community leaders, and everyday people just out to enjoy their night.
🎤 A Night Meant for Celebration
Jet Set has long been a cultural hub in the Dominican Republic. That night, legendary merengue singer Rubby Pérez was performing live, drawing a crowd of nearly 1,000 people. Eyewitnesses say the mood was electric — dancing, laughter, and music filled the air. Until, without warning, the roof began to buckle.
At 12:44 AM, it caved in.
🚨 The Collapse: Chaos and Courage
The collapse was fast and catastrophic. Screams filled the air as debris rained down. In the chaos, over 160 people were injured, many of them crushed or trapped beneath twisted steel and concrete.
Rubby Pérez himself was trapped under the rubble. Miraculously, he stayed conscious and sang — yes, sang — to help rescuers locate him in the dark. His survival is being hailed as both a miracle and a symbol of Dominican resilience.
🕊️ Lives Lost — Names That Mattered
This wasn’t a faceless tragedy. Among the victims were several prominent figures:
- Nelsy Cruz, sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz and governor of Monte Cristi Province.
- Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball pitcher known for his fiery fastball.
- Tony Blanco Jr., another former MLB player remembered for his dedication to youth sports.
- Martín Polanco, a beloved fashion designer in Latin America.
- Luis Guillén, a rising footballer with the national team.
Their deaths sent shockwaves through both the local community and the international Dominican diaspora.
🧱 What Caused the Collapse?
While investigations are still ongoing, early reports point toward structural weaknesses in the building. According to civil engineers who reviewed images and video footage, signs of stress in the rooftop architecture may have been ignored for years. The owners of the club are cooperating with authorities, but the public is demanding answers.
Was it poor maintenance? Overcapacity? A failure of inspections?
One thing is certain: this should not have happened.
Do National Response and Mourning
President Luis Abinader declared a three-day national mourning period, visiting the site personally and meeting with victims’ families. More than 400 emergency personnel worked overnight to clear debris and search for survivors.
On social media, hashtags like #JetSetTragedy and #SantoDomingoStrong began trending within hours. Across the country, candlelight vigils were held in memory of the victims.
🔎 Why This Matters
This isn’t just a story about a nightclub. It’s about public safety, building codes, and accountability. It’s about how, even in a country known for its vibrant culture and strong community, tragedy can strike when oversight is lax.
More than anything, it’s about people — their stories, their dreams, and the lives that were abruptly cut short.
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Jet Set nightclub collapse has become a defining moment for the Dominican Republic — a moment of grief, reflection, and a loud call for change. As investigations continue, the hope is that this will lead to better safety measures, stronger infrastructure oversight, and justice for those affected.
For now, a nation mourns — not just for the lives lost, but for a night that was never meant to end this way.
