Tragedy at Jet Set Nightclub: Multiple Killed, Rubby Pérez Trapped as Celebration of Dominican Music Ends in Catastrophic Roof Collapse

SANTO DOMINGO, DR — April 7, 2025 — A night that was meant to honor the soul of Dominican culture through the infectious rhythms of merengue music took a horrifying turn when the roof of the famed Jet Set Nightclub collapsed during a packed performance by beloved music icon Rubby Pérez. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, has left multiple people dead, dozens injured, and a nation in mourning.

The nightclub, located in the heart of Santo Domingo, was overflowing with fans gathered to enjoy a live concert by Rubby Pérez — one of the most celebrated voices in Dominican merengue. Eyewitnesses describe a vibrant, electric atmosphere moments before the tragedy struck. But within seconds, the joyful celebration descended into chaos.

According to initial reports from emergency responders, the building’s roof suddenly caved in around 1:15 a.m., trapping patrons beneath the debris. Among those trapped was Pérez himself, who was on stage at the time. Emergency teams rushed to the scene and worked tirelessly throughout the night and into the morning to pull survivors from the wreckage.

Pérez was reportedly rescued hours later, and though shaken and injured, he is expected to recover. In a brief statement released by his family, they expressed their profound gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers, while also acknowledging the unspeakable grief felt by the families of those who did not survive.

“Rubby is alive, and we are thankful for that,” the family’s spokesperson said. “But our hearts are broken for those who lost their lives during what should have been a joyful and historic night for Dominican music.”

The exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed, but local officials have stated that at least seven people are confirmed dead, with more than 30 injured, several of whom are in critical condition. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the collapse, with early speculation pointing toward structural deficiencies possibly worsened by overcrowding and poor maintenance.

Footage captured by attendees moments before the collapse shows concertgoers dancing, clapping, and waving their arms as Pérez delivered one of his classic hits. Moments later, the video cuts to screams, dust, and confusion as beams and lighting structures began to fall.

Survivors described harrowing scenes of people trapped under rubble, others using tables and chairs to try to free their friends, and a frantic rush to escape the building.

“It was like a war zone,” said Luis Fernando, one of the concertgoers who managed to escape. “We came to celebrate merengue — our culture, our music, our joy — and it turned into something none of us will ever forget. People were bleeding, crying, screaming for help.”

The Dominican government has declared a national day of mourning in honor of the victims. President Luis Abinader issued a statement expressing his condolences to the families affected and promising a thorough investigation into the nightclub’s safety protocols and building integrity.

“This tragedy must never happen again,” President Abinader said. “Our people deserve to celebrate safely. We will get answers, and we will do everything in our power to ensure accountability.”

Jet Set Nightclub, long regarded as a cornerstone of the Dominican nightlife scene, has hosted countless musical legends over the decades and was considered a cultural institution. Many are now calling for a full audit of the country’s entertainment venues to ensure safety and compliance with modern standards.

As families begin the painful process of mourning their loved ones, vigils have sprung up outside the nightclub and across the capital city. Candles, flowers, and photos of the victims now line the sidewalks — a solemn reminder of the lives cut short and the joy that turned into sorrow.

Rubby Pérez, a national treasure known for his resilience and warmth, remains hospitalized under observation. Though his physical injuries are said to be non-life-threatening, those close to him say the emotional impact of witnessing such a tragedy will take far longer to heal.

The Dominican Republic, known for its celebration of life through music and dance, now faces a moment of profound grief and reckoning. The sounds of merengue that once filled the Jet Set Nightclub have been silenced — replaced, for now, by the mournful cries of a nation grappling with a devastating loss.