Jet Set Nightclub Collapse Kills 124 in Dominican Republic

Jet Set Nightclub Collapse Kills 124 in Dominican Republic \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A devastating roof collapse at Santo Domingo’s iconic Jet Set nightclub has killed at least 124 people and injured over 250. As families search desperately for loved ones, emergency crews continue rescue efforts with international assistance. Victims include celebrities, government officials, and civilians, prompting national mourning and scrutiny.

Jet Set Nightclub Collapse – Quick Looks

• At least 124 confirmed dead after nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo.
• Over 250 people injured, many still hospitalized in critical condition.
• Victims include public figures, musicians, MLB players, and professionals.
• Only 54 victims identified; dozens still unaccounted for.
• Emotional crowds gather at forensic institute demanding answers.
• Rescuers from Puerto Rico and Israel join local emergency crews.
• Cause of collapse remains unclear; inspection records under question.
• Dominican authorities promise full investigation and support for families.

Deep Look

A catastrophic structural failure shook the Dominican Republic on Tuesday night when the roof of the famed Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed, killing at least 124 people and injuring hundreds more. The venue, a longtime cultural hub known for its merengue performances and elite clientele, became the site of one of the deadliest civilian disasters in the country’s modern history.

The incident sparked immediate chaos and a surge of grief across the nation. By Wednesday, a crowd of distressed relatives gathered at the National Institute of Forensic Pathology, desperate for news. Officials began the painstaking process of identifying bodies, confirming just 54 names by the end of the day. The list was read aloud to anguished onlookers, some of whom clutched photographs and cried out in desperation.

One woman, sobbing uncontrollably, shouted, “We cannot wait until nighttime! We’re going to go crazy!” Others echoed the sentiment, accusing authorities of misinformation and slow response. “The authorities are selling us false dreams!” said José Sánchez, whose brother and brother-in-law remain missing.

So far, 28 bodies have been returned to their families, but over 33 remain unidentified. Officials have confirmed that more than 250 individuals were injured, with at least 20 still hospitalized, including several in critical condition.

The collapse occurred during a high-energy merengue concert, with a full house that included athletes, artists, and public officials. Witnesses reported that dust began falling into drinks moments before the entire roof caved in, sending massive slabs of concrete crashing down onto the dancefloor. Hundreds were trapped beneath the debris, many unable to call for help as rubble buried them.

Among the dead is merengue legend Rubby Pérez, who had been performing just before the disaster. Emergency response director Juan Manuel Méndez confirmed Pérez’s body was discovered early Wednesday morning. Also confirmed dead were MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, professional player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, and Luis Solís, a saxophonist playing onstage when the ceiling collapsed.

Other high-profile victims include:

• Martín Polanco, a New York-based fashion designer.
• Several Venezuelan bartenders working at the venue.
• Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi and sister to MLB star Nelson Cruz, who alerted President Luis Abinader while trapped under debris. She later succumbed to injuries in a hospital.
• A cardiologist, a retired police officer, and an architect from the Ministry of Government.
• Grupo Popular, a major financial institution, confirmed the deaths of three employees, including the president of AFP Popular Bank and his wife.

The tragedy prompted international rescue collaboration, with specialized teams from Puerto Rico and Israel arriving to assist. As of Wednesday night, at least 145 survivors had been pulled from the rubble, many after enduring over six hours buried with severe injuries. Medical staff reported fractured skulls, broken femurs, and crushed organs among the injuries sustained.

Dr. Julio Landrón, head of the Dr. Ney Arias Lora Trauma Hospital, where 21 of the injured are receiving care, expressed cautious optimism. “They’re young, which helps,” he said, “but none of them are out of danger.”

Meanwhile, confusion and finger-pointing have emerged over the building’s structural integrity. It remains unclear when Jet Set was last inspected or if any safety warnings had been issued. A statement from the club claims full cooperation with authorities. However, questions directed to the Ministry of Public Works and the mayor’s office were met with silence or referrals, raising concerns about regulatory accountability.

Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía highlighted the human spirit in the face of tragedy, praising citizens who offered aid, like a man from Costa Rica who joined rescue efforts while vacationing and a Dominican who provided coffee to mourners and rescuers alike.

At the heart of the rescue zone, amid wailing sirens and frantic search efforts, families clung to hope. Virginia Rosario, grieving her sister Rosa Herminia Pérez, described her as “beautiful, precious, very nice.” Others, like Deysi Suriel, still searched desperately for any sign of missing loved ones.

“This is a very traumatic situation,” said national lawmaker Pedro Martínez, whose own relatives were missing. His words echoed the collective grief of a nation still reeling from an unimaginable loss.

For now, the search for survivors continues, as does the quest for answers—about what caused the collapse, who is responsible, and how a place of joy turned into a site of sorrow within seconds.

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