Jet Set nightclub collapse: at least 12 dead and over 45 injured in Santo Domingo tragedy

Santo Domingo.- A partial collapse of the roof at the renowned Jet Set nightclub in the National District has claimed at least 12 lives and injured more than 45 people in the early hours of Tuesday. The incident occurred at 12:44 a.m. on Avenida Independencia, prompting a swift emergency response coordinated by the National Emergency Response System, 911.

General Juan Manuel Méndez, Director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), confirmed the preliminary fatality count and noted that rescue teams are continuing their search among the rubble. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of anguish and desperation, as rescuers listened for cries for help amid the debris. Several trapped individuals managed to contact their families via mobile phone, aiding search efforts.

Notably, merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing live at the time, was among those injured, according to his manager, Fernando Soto.

A comprehensive rescue operation is underway, involving 77 ambulances from the Extrahospital Emergency Response Directorate (DAEH), eight National District Fire Department units—including a specialized “Hurón” team trained for structural collapse—and 30 Civil Defense rescuers.

Additionally, 200 members of the National Police, 50 military rescuers, and seven DIGESETT units equipped with cranes are actively clearing the area. The National Police have established a perimeter, and DIGESETT has set up a traffic cordon along Avenida Independencia to facilitate emergency access and manage vehicular flow.

Authorities urge citizens to remain patient and cooperative as rescue workers continue their efforts to save lives. Their coordinated actions highlight the commitment of various institutions to minimize the tragedy’s impact and provide urgent medical care to those affected.

Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims during this critical time.

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