Jet Set Night Club Incident (2025)

The mass casualty incident that occurred when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, collapsed on April 8, 2025.

On April 8, 2025, the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in the capital of the Dominican Republic collapsed. It was reported that approximately 300 to 1,000 people were inside the venue at the time. The collapse occurred during a concert featuring merengue artist Rubby Pérez. According to eyewitnesses, dust began falling from the ceiling first, followed by the complete collapse of the building’s roof within a short time.

According to the Dominican Republic Emergency Operations Center, at least 98 people lost their lives in the incident. Official sources estimate the number of injured to be between 160 and 223. Among the deceased were Nelsy Cruz, governor of Monte Cristi province, and former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. Octavio Dotel was pulled alive from the rubble but died en route to the hospital. Unofficial reports suggest that Rubby Pérez was also among the dead.

Following the collapse, fire departments, civil defense teams, and medical personnel were deployed to the area. Nearly 400 personnel conducted search and rescue operations. Rescue teams focused on specific areas after reports emerged of live human sounds beneath the debris. Silence was maintained to better detect calls for help. During the operation, concrete blocks were removed and temporary supports were constructed using wooden beams.

A temporary morgue was established near the nightclub, and two blood donation centers were opened to facilitate blood donations. The Forensic Medicine Institute used photographic identification methods to determine the identities of the deceased.

Search and rescue operations following the collapse at the Jet Set nightclub, April 8, 2025 - Anadolu Ajansı

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced a three-day national mourning period following the incident. President Abinader and his wife Raquel Arbaje visited the site to assess the situation firsthand and received briefings from officials. The president stated that all state institutions had contributed to the search and rescue efforts. Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía offered condolences to the families of the deceased. It was reported that at least 22 public institutions supported the rescue operations.

According to accounts from individuals inside the venue at the time of the incident, dust began falling from the ceiling first, followed by the roof collapsing with a loud noise.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the roof collapse. No information has been made public regarding the building’s most recent inspection or its technical condition. The nightclub’s owner, Antonio Espaillat, was abroad at the time of the incident but returned to the country afterward and pledged cooperation with authorities. The Jet Set management stated that it has provided full support to all official bodies and is committed to transparency in its cooperation.

The number of people killed in the roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, has risen to 184. Search and rescue operations were halted approximately 48 hours after the collapse, with more than 200 people injured. The nightclub’s roof collapsed during a merengue concert featuring Rubby Pérez. Among the deceased are a United Nations retiree, New York-based fashion designer Martín Polanco, a lieutenant colonel from the Dominican armed forces, and senior figures from the private banking sector. The cause of the incident has not yet been determined; technical investigations and a judicial inquiry are ongoing.

The Jet Set Nightclub Collapse refers to a mass casualty incident that occurred on April 8, 2025, when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed during a live performance.

On April 8, 2025, the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed while the venue was hosting a live concert by merengue singer Rubby Pérez. Reports indicate that between 300 and 1000 people were inside the venue at the time. According to eyewitnesses, dust began falling from the ceiling shortly before the structure fully gave way and collapsed.

According to the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center, at least 98 people were confirmed dead, while between 160 and 223 were reported injured. Among the deceased were Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi Province; former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco; and reportedly, Rubby Pérez himself. Dotel was initially rescued alive but later died en route to the hospital. The identification of other victims continued over several days.

Emergency responders, including firefighters, medical personnel, and civil defense teams, were dispatched to the scene. Nearly 400 personnel participated in the rescue operation. Areas where survivors were suspected to be trapped were prioritized, and silence was enforced to detect cries for help from under the rubble. Rescue teams used wood planks and heavy machinery to remove debris. Temporary morgues were established near the site, and blood donation centers were opened. The National Institute of Forensic Pathology used photo identification to assist in victim recognition.

_{Search and rescue operations after the collapse at the Jet Set nightclub, April 8, 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

President Luis Abinader declared a three-day period of national mourning following the tragedy. He and First Lady Raquel Arbaje visited the site to inspect ongoing rescue operations and receive briefings. The President confirmed that all relevant government agencies were actively participating in the emergency response. The Mayor of Santo Domingo, Carolina Mejía, also issued public condolences. At least 22 public institutions contributed to the rescue and recovery efforts.

Witnesses inside the venue reported seeing dust falling from the ceiling, followed by a sudden and loud collapse. Some attendees described ducking into corners or pressing against walls to shield themselves from the falling debris.

An official investigation was launched to determine the cause of the structural failure. Authorities have not disclosed when the building was last inspected. Jet Set nightclub owner Antonio Espaillat, who was abroad at the time, returned and stated that he was cooperating with authorities. The nightclub management released a statement indicating full transparency and collaboration with the investigation.

The number of fatalities in the roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, has risen to 184. More than 200 people were injured in the incident, and rescue operations were halted approximately 48 hours after the collapse. The roof gave way during a merengue concert featuring Rubby Pérez. Among the deceased are a retired United Nations official, New York-based fashion designer Martín Polanco, a Dominican army captain, and several senior figures from the private banking sector. The cause of the collapse has not yet been disclosed; technical assessments and a judicial investigation are ongoing.