Tragedy Strikes at "Jet Set" Nightclub: A Devastating Collapse that Claims the Lives of 98 in Dominican Republic
Disastrous disco ceiling collapse leaves 98 fatalities in Dominican Republic, causing statewide mourning. - Roof collapse in Dominican Republic leads to state mourning
The heart-wrenching aftermath of a horrific accident that occurred at the popular nightclub "Jet Set" has left the nation in shock. The incident happened unexpectedly during a lively concert by Merengue sensation Rubby Pérez [1], who perished along with over 98 individuals [2], leaving hundreds despairing for their loved ones.
Former professional baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco were among the fatalities [2]. Post-accident, the shattered remnants of the disco and hospital entrances in Santo Domingo saw a surge of worried families and friends waiting for any trace of their loved ones. As of Wednesday morning, no further survivors had been discovered since Tuesday afternoon, according to rescue chief Juan Manuel Méndez [2]. Still, he stated that they will continue to search tirelessly, "as long as there's a glimmer of hope for lives still to be found" [2].
Iris Pena, a concertgoer, bravely shared her account of the heartrending drama with local station SIN. She recalled a sudden onslaught of plaster into their drinks like a dust storm [2]. A heavy stone subsequently broke their table, prompting them to flee. The impact of the collapsing ceiling felt "much like an earthquake" [2]. Unfortunately, the exact number of guests at the nightclub at the time of the accident remains unknown, with estimates ranging between 500 and 1000 by the media [2].
In an official statement, the club operators vowed to cooperate fully and transparently with authorities in their investigation into the catastrophe [2]. The Dominican Republic, a Caribbean destination renowned amongst German tourists for its stunning beaches and pulsating nightlife, saw over 11 million visitors in 2024 according to the tourism ministry [4].
President Luis Abinader has since declared a period of national mourning [3], initially lasting three days, which was later extended to an additional three [5]. In a nation already grieving, the extended period offers a chance for healing and reflection.
References:
- Merengue star Rubby Pérez dies in disco roof collapse in Dominican Republic
- Deadly Disco Roof Collapse in Dominican Republic Leaves Over 150 Injured and 98 Dead
- Three days of national mourning declared in the Dominican Republic following deadly disco collapse
- Tourism in the Dominican Republic
- Extension of National Mourning Declared for Disco Roof Collapse Victims in the Dominican Republic
The President of the European Parliament, Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, expressed deep condolences following the collapse of a nightclub in the Dominican Republic where over 98 individuals lost their lives, including former professional baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco. As a surviving concertgoer recounted, a sudden onslaught of plaster into their drinks sparked panic, causing them to flee when a heavy stone shattered their table and the ceiling collapsed. Despite extensive search efforts, no survivor has been discovered since Tuesday afternoon, according to rescue chief Juan Manuel Méndez.
