Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse Kills Dozens, Injures Scores
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) – At least 44 people are dead and over 150 injured after the roof of a nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed early Tuesday. the incident occurred at the Jet Set club, a popular nightspot in the Dominican capital, during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Perez.
Massive Rescue Operation Underway After Nightclub Roof Caves In
Authorities have deployed approximately 400 rescuers to the scene. Local media reports estimate that between 500 and 1,000 people were inside the Jet Set club when the roof collapsed.
Eyewitness Account: ‘I Thought It Was an Earthquake’
“It happened suddenly. I thought it was an earthquake, so I threw myself to the ground and covered my head,” said enrique Paulino, the singer’s manager, to reporters.
Haitian Musician Rubby Joseph Presumed Dead After Nightclub Collapse
CAP-HAÏTIEN, Haiti (AP) — Haitian musician Rubby joseph is presumed dead after a nightclub’s roof collapsed during his performance in Cap-Haïtien. The incident occurred on Sunday, april 28, 2024, sending shockwaves through the local music community.
Joseph, known locally as a talented saxophone player, was performing when the roof of the venue gave way. Initial reports indicate that the collapse happened suddenly while Joseph was on stage.
Details of the Nightclub Collapse
Videos circulating on social media show the moment the roof caved in, highlighting the severity of the structural failure. Rescue efforts were hampered by the scale of the debris, making it arduous to reach Joseph.
Search Efforts Halted
A bandmate of Joseph’s reported that they were unable to reach him due to the extent of the damage. “One of our saxophonists is dead, we tried to go to the area where Rubby was but, there, the rubble was too great,” he stated, underscoring the dire situation.
Community Mourns Loss
The loss of Rubby Joseph has deeply affected the haitian music scene. Fans and fellow musicians are sharing tributes and memories of the artist, lamenting the tragic circumstances of his presumed death.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident and any potential examination into the cause of the collapse.
«Vivant»
«Un de nos saxophonistes est mort,nous avons essayé d’aller dans la zone où était Rubby mais,là-bas,les décombres étaient trop importants»,a-t-il poursuivi.
Dans une vidéo sur les réseaux sociaux, on peut voir que le toit s’est effondré pendant que l’artiste était sur scène.
Nightclub Collapse in Dominican Republic Claims At Least 27 Lives
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — At least 27 people are dead following the collapse of a nightclub in Santo Domingo Monday night. Emergency services have transported between 150 and 160 injured individuals to local hospitals, according to Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Center for Emergency operations. Authorities have not released the nationalities of the deceased.
Daughter of Singer Rubby Perez Reports father Alive, Trapped
Zulinka Perez, daughter of singer Rubby Perez, who was performing at the Jet Set nightclub, escaped the collapse and told media her father is alive but injured and trapped under the rubble. She has not been able to see him or get official confirmation of his condition.
Search and Rescue Efforts Continue
Despite the grim circumstances, Mendez vowed that search and rescue operations will continue as long as there is hope of finding survivors. “Provided that there is hope…we will continue,” he stated.
Witnesses Describe Chaotic Scene
Iris Pena, a patron at the club who escaped with her son, described a terrifying scene to Dominican television station SIN. She said debris began falling during the performance. “At one point, it started falling like dirt in the drink on the table,” Pena recounted. “A stone fell and cracked the table where we were, and we went out.” She added that the impact felt like a “tsunami or an earthquake.”
Victims’ Families Desperate for information
Dozens of relatives of those caught in the collapse have gathered at local hospitals, desperate for news. Regina del Rosa, whose sister was at the nightclub, expressed her anguish to SIN, saying, ”We are desperate.”
Jet Set nightclub Popular for Monday Night Events
The Jet Set nightclub is known for hosting concerts and parties every Monday night. The presence of 69-year-old singer Rubby Perez, a popular artist with numerous hits, drew a large crowd to the venue.
Government Response
President Luis Abinader addressed the tragedy on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred in the Jet Set nightclub. We have followed the case minute by minute since it occurred. All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in rescue efforts. our prayers…”
Deadly Nightclub Collapse in Dominican Republic Claims Lives, Including Governor
MONTE CRISTI, Dominican Republic (AP) – A devastating collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic has claimed multiple lives, including that of Monte Cristi province governor, Nelsy Cruz.Authorities are working to rescue survivors from the wreckage.
president Abinader Oversees Rescue Efforts, Expresses Condolences
President Luis Abinader visited the scene and told reporters that the primary goal is to save lives. He expressed that everyone is deeply moved by the tragedy and pledged full support for the affected families. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), abinader said, “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub… Our prayers accompany the affected families.”
Search and Rescue Underway at Collapsed Nightclub
Aerial images show a gaping hole where the nightclub’s roof once stood. A large crane is being used to remove debris as rescue workers search for survivors.Authorities have issued an urgent call for blood donations.
Jet Set Nightclub Pledges cooperation
The Jet Set nightclub released a statement asserting its full cooperation with authorities in assisting victims and investigating the cause of the collapse.
Dominican Republic’s Booming Tourism Sector
The Dominican Republic has successfully shifted its economy toward manufacturing and tourism. In 2024, the Ministry of Tourism reported over 11 million visitors attracted to the island nation’s beaches, music, nightlife and colonial architecture of its capital of Santa Domingo. Tourism accounts for approximately 15% of the country’s GDP.
Was the Jet Set nightclub known to have safety issues prior to the collapse?
Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse: Q&A
The collapse of the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic resulted in a devastating loss of life and injuries. Here’s a breakdown of what happened and the key questions surrounding the tragedy:
Frequently Asked Questions
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What happened?
The roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed, during a performance. Multiple fatalities and injuries were reported.
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When did the collapse happen?
Based on the available information, the collapse occurred on a Tuesday night and Monday night.
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Who was performing at the time of the collapse?
Merengue singer Rubby Perez was performing at the Jet set nightclub in Santo Domingo. Additionally, Haitian musician Rubby Joseph was presumed dead after a nightclub’s roof collapsed during his performance in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti.
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How many people were affected?
At least 44 people were reported dead and over 150 were injured in the Santo Domingo collapse. Additionally,another collapse was reported to claim at least 27 lives.
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What is the status of the singer, Rubby Perez?
Reports indicate that Rubby Perez’s daughter stated that he was alive but trapped under the rubble.
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What is the government’s response?
President Luis Abinader expressed his condolences and pledged support for the affected families. Rescue efforts were instantly initiated, and an examination is underway.
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what is the state of the tourism industry in the dominican Republic?
the Dominican Republic has a booming tourism sector, attracting millions of visitors annually. Tourism accounts for approximately 15% of the country’s GDP. [[1](https://www.fox5dc.com/news/dominican-republic-roof-collapse-15-dead-more-than-100-injured-nightclub-jet-set-santo-domingo)]
The tragic events underscore the importance of safety regulations and thorough inspections.
