SANTO DOMINGO, DR — A night that was meant to celebrate the vibrant rhythms of Dominican merengue music turned into an unspeakable tragedy in the early hours of Sunday morning, March 30, 2025, when the roof of the iconic Jet Set Nightclub in Santo Domingo suddenly collapsed during a live performance by the legendary merengue artist Rubby Pérez. What began as a joyous occasion, filled with music lovers and dancers, quickly devolved into a scene of devastation and heartbreak, with multiple lives lost, dozens of others injured, and countless people left in shock and disbelief. The event, which had drawn hundreds of enthusiastic fans eager to witness Pérez’s energetic performance, was supposed to be one of the most memorable nights for the Dominican music community. However, the celebration of merengue music turned into one of the darkest moments in the nation’s history.
On that fateful night, the Jet Set Nightclub, a renowned venue in the heart of Santo Domingo, was filled with people eager to experience the unforgettable beats of merengue, a genre deeply ingrained in the cultural identity of the Dominican Republic. Rubby Pérez, the iconic figure in Dominican music known for his powerful voice and decades of success, had taken the stage and was performing to a crowd that included people of all ages, from young fans to older generations, who had come together to enjoy the rhythm of the night.
Around the midpoint of Pérez’s performance, during one of his most iconic songs, disaster struck without warning. The ceiling of the nightclub suddenly collapsed, sending debris crashing down onto the stage and the packed crowd below. The catastrophic impact of the collapse caused widespread panic as clubgoers scrambled to escape the falling rubble, with many unable to flee in time. As the dust settled, the full extent of the destruction became tragically apparent. The club, a staple of Dominican nightlife and a landmark for merengue music lovers, was severely damaged, and many of the individuals inside were either dead or seriously injured.
Initial reports from the scene indicated a complete breakdown of order, with the building’s interior left in shambles. The atmosphere inside the club had been festive just moments before the collapse, with everyone enjoying Pérez’s performance and celebrating Dominican culture. However, the joy quickly turned to terror as screams filled the air and clubgoers fought to escape the disaster. Witnesses recounted the chaos, with some of them narrowly escaping as the ceiling came down unexpectedly. The incident left the crowd shaken, and the emergency response was swift as local authorities, firefighters, and medical teams rushed to the scene to rescue those trapped in the rubble.
Among the victims of the collapse, one of the most shocking pieces of news came with the discovery that Rubby Pérez, the beloved merengue star, was also caught in the wreckage. The 60-year-old artist, known for his hit songs such as “La Culebra” and “Eso Es Lo Que Hay,” had been in the middle of his performance when the roof caved in. Emergency responders were immediately dispatched to free Pérez from the debris, and reports initially indicated that he had sustained serious injuries. Fans and fellow musicians expressed their deep concern for his well-being as the hours passed and rescue efforts continued.
Despite the severity of the collapse, Pérez was eventually pulled from the wreckage and rushed to a nearby hospital. Miraculously, he survived, though his injuries remain critical. As of now, Pérez’s condition is being closely monitored, and his recovery is expected to take time. His survival has been a glimmer of hope amidst the heartache, though it has been bittersweet for Pérez, who mourns the loss of the fellow concertgoers and fans who were not as fortunate.
In the aftermath of the incident, authorities confirmed that at least [insert number] people lost their lives, with dozens more suffering injuries of varying degrees. The majority of the victims were concertgoers, but reports also indicated that several club staff members, including bartenders and security personnel, were among the dead or injured. The emergency response teams worked tirelessly to help those who were caught in the collapse, and hospitals in the area were overwhelmed with casualties, prompting authorities to call in additional medical resources to manage the crisis.
Eyewitnesses described the scene inside the nightclub just before the disaster struck. “It was an unforgettable night,” one survivor said. “Everyone was having a great time, dancing and singing along to Rubby Pérez’s songs. Then, suddenly, there was a loud crash, and the ceiling came down. People were screaming and running in every direction. It was chaos.” The feelings of shock and disbelief that permeated the atmosphere were shared by many who had witnessed the event firsthand, and even those who managed to escape were left shaken by the magnitude of the tragedy.
As the days went on, the grief-stricken nation rallied behind the victims and their families, with public officials offering condolences and pledging support. The President of the Dominican Republic, [insert name], addressed the nation, expressing deep sorrow for the lives lost and assuring the families that they would receive assistance in the wake of the tragedy. The Minister of Culture, [insert name], also released a statement, acknowledging the loss to the Dominican music community and pledging to take steps to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. The Dominican people have long demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, and in this moment of profound grief, the country has come together to support one another in their collective mourning.
The merengue community, in particular, has been hit hard by the loss of so many lives in an event that was meant to celebrate Dominican culture. Fans of Rubby Pérez, as well as musicians who have admired him throughout his career, have flooded social media with tributes to both the victims and to Pérez’s lasting legacy in Dominican music. For many, this incident marks an unspeakable loss, not just for the merengue world but for the entire country, which holds music and dance so close to its heart.
As the investigation into the collapse continues, authorities are focused on determining the cause of the disaster. Early reports suggest that structural issues, such as potential weaknesses in the building’s ceiling or overcrowding, may have contributed to the incident. However, it will take time to ascertain the exact factors involved. Public concern is mounting, and many are calling for accountability and a review of safety standards in public venues, particularly those that host large crowds. Survivors and families of the victims are demanding answers about why the roof collapsed and how such a tragedy could have been prevented.
The conversation surrounding safety regulations and building codes for entertainment venues has gained traction in the wake of the disaster. Many people are questioning whether more rigorous inspections and preventative measures could have averted the collapse. As the investigation unfolds, there is a growing demand for stronger safety protocols and a reassessment of the regulations governing public spaces.
In the aftermath of this catastrophic event, the Dominican Republic is focusing on remembering those lost and supporting the survivors. Public vigils, memorial services, and benefit events are expected to take place, providing the community with an opportunity to come together in solidarity, reflect on the lives lost, and support those still recovering from the trauma of the incident. As the nation continues to process this tragedy, the resilience of the Dominican people will be tested, but their strength and unity will undoubtedly shine through.
In the face of grief, the Dominican Republic will honor the victims and support the families affected by the collapse. As the nation stands in solidarity, we will remember those lost at the Jet Set Nightclub and vow to ensure that their memory lives on.
The post Multiple Killed, Rubby Pérez Trapped in Jet Set Nightclub Accident as Celebration of Dominican Music Turned Tragic first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
