Dominican Republic Mourns After Nightclub Roof Collapse as Funerals Begin Across the Nation
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — A somber silence hangs over the Dominican Republic as the nation begins to bury the victims of one of its most devastating tragedies in recent memory. A catastrophic roof collapse at the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo has claimed the lives of at least 221 people, leaving hundreds of families mourning and a country in shock. Funerals began this week across cities and towns, transforming public squares, churchyards, and cultural venues into places of grief, reflection, and remembrance.
The tragedy unfolded on the night of April 8, 2025, during a live concert by Rubby Pérez, a beloved merengue singer often referred to as “the highest voice in merengue.” The venue, known for hosting some of the most celebrated Latin musicians since the 1970s, was packed with a crowd estimated between 500 and 1,000 people. Shortly after midnight, the roof caved in, sending concrete, steel, and lighting fixtures crashing down onto partygoers who had gathered for a night of music and joy.
Survivors describe the moment as a scene from a nightmare—screams drowned by the sound of collapsing beams, people clawing through debris to reach others, and a dense cloud of dust that made it nearly impossible to breathe or see. Emergency services rushed to the scene, deploying over 400 personnel to sift through the rubble. In the hours and days that followed, rescue teams worked around the clock, pulling survivors from the wreckage while recovering bodies with the utmost care and reverence.
President Luis Abinader quickly declared a national mourning period, lowering flags to half-mast and suspending all public events. At the heart of the country’s grief was the funeral of Rubby Pérez himself. Held at the National Theater in Santo Domingo, the memorial was attended by thousands, including the president, musicians, actors, and government officials. The crowd paid tribute with music, flowers, and heartfelt speeches honoring a man who had shaped the Dominican sound for over four decades.
Elsewhere, funeral services began for other high-profile victims, including former Major League Baseball stars Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, Governor of Monte Cristi Nelsy Cruz, and prominent fashion designer Martin Polanco. Their deaths, among many others, have left a deep scar on Dominican society. From barrios to city centers, communities are gathering to remember lives lost too soon, holding candlelight vigils and traditional wakes where prayers are said through the night.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the disaster has been the slow and painful process of identifying the deceased. Due to the severity of injuries and the collapse's violent nature, many victims could only be recognized through DNA testing and dental records. Despite the challenges, the Dominican government has vowed that “no one will be left unidentified.” Officials have deployed a task force of forensic experts, both domestic and international, to ensure every family receives closure.
The government also announced the formation of an independent commission made up of engineers, architects, and legal experts to investigate the cause of the collapse. Early reports suggest that the nightclub, which underwent a major renovation in 2015, may have had structural weaknesses worsened by a fire that occurred in 2023. While speculation is mounting over whether proper building codes were followed or inspections completed, authorities have urged the public to await the outcome of the formal investigation.
Antonio Espaillat, the owner of Jet Set, released an emotional statement expressing his devastation over the tragedy. “This is the darkest moment of my life,” he said. “My heart breaks for every family that has lost a loved one. We will cooperate fully with the investigation and support the victims’ families in every way possible.”
As families begin to bury their dead, the nation is also beginning the long process of healing. Communities have shown remarkable resilience and unity, with thousands attending public vigils. In Haina, the hometown of Rubby Pérez, mourners sang his songs in the streets, turning their grief into a celebration of his life and legacy. Schools, churches, and civic centers have opened their doors for people to gather, cry, and comfort each other. Mental health services are being offered for survivors and bereaved relatives, as the psychological impact of the tragedy becomes increasingly evident.
International support has poured in, with world leaders and celebrities expressing condolences. The U.S. Congress issued a statement of solidarity, and fellow Latin American countries sent messages of support and offers of aid. Global music icons paid tribute to Rubby Pérez and the other victims, acknowledging how deeply the Dominican Republic’s music and culture have touched the world.
While the nation mourns, a burning question persists: Could this have been prevented? Survivors and critics alike are demanding accountability, not only for what happened that night but also for years of potentially lax oversight and poor building safety enforcement. “We can’t bring them back, but we can make sure this never happens again,” said one grieving relative at a funeral in Santiago. “Let their deaths mean something.”
In the coming weeks, legal proceedings are expected to begin, and lawmakers have hinted at reviewing national construction codes and safety standards. Activists are calling for stricter inspections of public venues, better crowd control regulations, and real consequences for violations.
As the sun sets over Santo Domingo each evening, a quiet hush falls over the city. The lights of the Jet Set nightclub—once a symbol of Dominican nightlife—are dark, its charred remains now surrounded by police tape and flowers left by mourners. Where music once rang out, there is now only the sound of silence and the memories of lives lost.
The Dominican Republic stands at a crossroads between sorrow and resolve. In mourning, it finds unity. In tragedy, it seeks justice. And as families continue to say goodbye to their loved ones, the nation promises one thing above all: They will not be forgotten.
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