Tragedy strikes as roof collapse kills 98 in Santo Domingo club
A tragic accident occurred in the Dominican Republic at the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo, where the roof collapsed during a performance by Rubby Perez. At least 98 people died, including notable figures. The president declared three days of national mourning.
The tragedy happened on Tuesday after midnight in Santo Domingo when the roof of the Jet Set club collapsed during a performance by Rubby Perez, a well-known merengue singer. According to the Associated Press, at least 98 people perished in the disaster.
National mourning in the Dominican Republic
The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, declared three days of national mourning. Authorities emphasise that it is too early to discuss the causes of the tragedy. The owners of the Jet Set club have pledged to cooperate with the authorities to determine the cause of the disaster.
According to AFP, between 500 and 1,000 people could have been in the club when the roof collapsed. This is one of the greatest misfortunes to have befallen the Dominican Republic in recent years. In 2023, the building was struck by lightning, and it underwent renovation in 2010 and 2015.
Who died in the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo?
The disaster claimed at least 98 lives, including the artist’s daughter, who managed to escape, and Perez himself, who did not survive.
Among the victims were also the governor of Monte Cristi, Nelsy Cruz, and Octavio Dotel, a well-known Dominican baseball player. A total of 370 rescuers were dispatched to the scene, who worked for nearly 12 hours to pull survivors from the rubble. A crowd of people gathered nearby, trying to learn about the fate of their loved ones.
Rubby Perez was a popular merengue singer known for hits such as "Buscando Tus Besos" and "Dame Veneno". His YouTube channel garnered over 125 million views. In February, the artist released a music video for the song "No Voy a Llorar".
