Dominican Republic Nightclub Tragedy: Roof Collapse During Concert Kills 66, Including High-Profile Guests
April 9, 2025 Santo Domingo A horrifying incident shook the Dominican Republic on Tuesday morning when the roof of the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a live concert, leading to the death of at least 66 people and injuring over 160 others. Among the deceased were several high-profile guests, including politicians, athletes, and entertainment figures, amplifying the national and global shock.
Jet Set Nightclub Turns Into Tragedy
The popular nightclub, known as a cultural hub in the Dominican capital, was hosting a high-attendance live music event when disaster struck. As the crowd enjoyed the performance, the roof suddenly caved in, trapping dozens under the rubble. Witnesses described a terrifying scene of chaos, screams, and the rapid descent of debris.
High-Profile Casualties: Sister of Baseball Star Among the Dead
One of the most tragic losses was Nelsy Cruz, the Governor of Montecristi Province and sister of former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz. According to First Lady Raquel Arbaje, Nelsy Cruz made a distress call to President Luis Abinader at 12:49 a.m., stating that she was trapped beneath the wreckage. Despite being located and rushed to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries.
โThis is an unspeakable tragedy,โ said Arbaje, visibly emotional. โThe pain is immense, and the nation mourns.โ
Rescue Efforts Ongoing Despite Grim Conditions
Even 12 hours after the collapse, emergency responders remained at the site, using wooden planks and drills to carefully navigate the unstable debris in hopes of rescuing survivors.
Juan Manuel Mรฉndez, Director of the Emergency Operations Center, stated:
โWe believe there are still people alive under the rubble, and we will not stop until every last person is accounted for.โ
Search and rescue efforts are being prioritized by local and national authorities, with medical units and firefighters deployed in full force.
Government Response and Public Reaction
The Dominican Republic government has extended its deepest condolences to the victimsโ families and declared the rescue operations a national priority. The incident has sparked international concern, especially given the prominent nature of the victims and the cultural significance of the venue.
The global community, including leaders from across the Americas, has begun to share messages of solidarity with the Dominican people.
Eyewitness Footage Surfaces Online
Videos from the scene, which have gone viral on social media, show the moment of the collapse, with dust, screaming, and people scrambling for safety. These harrowing visuals have added to the global outcry and underscore the urgency of improved safety standards in public venues.