At least 13 people died and over 90 were injured when the ceiling of the Jet Set Club nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic suddenly collapsed during a packed concert, trapping victims under rubble and triggering a massive emergency response.
Quick Takes
- The ceiling collapsed during a live concert at the Jet Set nightclub.
- The band’s saxophonist was confirmed deceased, and the condition of singer Rubby Perez remains unknown.
- Emergency services deployed 77 ambulances, eight fire trucks, and hundreds of personnel in rescue efforts.
- Eight hospitals were placed on red alert to receive the injured, with 125 people requiring medical treatment.
- President Luis Abinader expressed condolences and assured that rescue operations are ongoing.
Nightclub Ceiling Collapses During Packed Concert
The ceiling of the Jet Set Club nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed claiming at least 13 lives and injuring more than 90 others. According to the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center, led by Juan Manuel Mendez, the catastrophe occurred when the venue was filled with concertgoers. Video evidence shows the club was packed with people enjoying a live band performance moments before the structure failed. Social media platforms quickly filled with footage of people fleeing the dance floor as the ceiling gave way.
The band’s saxophonist has been confirmed among the dead, while many others remain trapped beneath the rubble. This incident has drawn comparisons to other recent nightlife tragedies, including a deadly fire in a North Macedonia nightclub that also resulted in multiple casualties. The Dominican Republic National Police have released footage of the ongoing recovery operation as first responders continue searching for survivors.
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
Massive Emergency Response Mobilized
In response to the disaster, Dominican authorities deployed an impressive array of emergency resources. The rescue operation includes 77 ambulances, eight fire trucks, approximately 200 National Police members, 50 soldiers, and 30 Civil Defense rescuers. These teams have been working tirelessly to locate and extract victims from beneath the collapsed structure. According to reports, some survivors have been communicating from within the rubble, giving responders hope as they carefully work through the debris. “More than 56 ambulances, each carrying up to three patients, have been dispatched to different hospitals. This is a very important situation,” said Juan Manuel Méndez of the Emergency Operations Center.
Eight hospitals throughout the area have been placed on red alert to receive and treat the injured, including Cuban, Royal, Modern, and UCE medical centers. Journalist Anibelca Rosario reported that at least 125 people required medical attention following the collapse. Emergency operations chief Mendez “has not slept” according to reports, as he coordinates the ongoing rescue efforts.
Families Await News of Loved Ones
Outside the nightclub, distraught family members and friends have gathered, desperately seeking information about loved ones who attended the concert. The scene has been described as one of great anxiety and confusion as people attempt to contact those who might be trapped inside. The condition of concert singer Rubby Perez, who was performing when the ceiling collapsed, remains unknown, adding to the concern of many fans and attendees.
The frustration of those awaiting information was captured by one person at the scene who told reporters, “We don’t know anything, no one is answering their phones.” As rescue operations continue, the Dominican Republic government has promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the structural failure that led to this devastating event.
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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
