Death Toll Rises to at Least 44 Dead, 160 Injured in Roof Collapse at Santo Domingo Nightclub During Merengue Concert
- Victor Nwoko
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
The death toll has risen to at least 44 people killed and 160 others injured early Tuesday when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed during a merengue concert attended by politicians, athletes, and music fans. Authorities launched an extensive rescue effort as crews continued to search through rubble for potential survivors well into the afternoon.
Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations, stated that responders believed people could still be alive beneath the debris. “We presume that many of them are still alive, and that is why the authorities here will not give up until not a single person remains under that rubble,” he said.
Nearly 12 hours after the structure caved in, emergency workers were still pulling survivors from the wreckage of the one-story building. Firefighters and rescue teams used drills to break through concrete and planks of wood to lift heavy debris as they worked tirelessly at the scene.
Among the confirmed dead was Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz. She contacted President Luis Abinader shortly before her death, telling him she was trapped under the collapsed roof. She later died in the hospital, according to First Lady Raquel Abraje.
Other high-profile individuals injured in the collapse include former Major League Baseball pitcher Octavio Dotel, legislator Bray Vargas, and merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing when the roof came down. Pérez's saxophonist was among the fatalities. His manager, Enrique Paulino, who was at the venue, recounted the chaos. “It happened so quickly. I managed to throw myself into a corner,” he said, adding that at first, he thought it was an earthquake.
The cause of the roof collapse remains under investigation. Jet Set nightclub issued a statement expressing grief and confirming full cooperation with the authorities. “The loss of human life leaves us in a state of deep pain and dismay,” the statement read.
Outside the nightclub, scenes of heartbreak unfolded as families waited for word about missing loved ones. Manuel Olivo Ortiz stood anxiously, hoping for news about his son, who had attended the concert and had not returned home. “We’re holding on only to God,” he said.
Massiel Cuevas, the godmother of 22-year-old Darlenys Batista, remained near the site, convinced her goddaughter was alive beneath the rubble. “I’m waiting for her. She’s in there, I know she’s in there,” she said.
President Luis Abinader visited the scene, offering comfort to families and pledging continued efforts. “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the incident minute by minute since it occurred,” he said. Hugging tearful relatives, Abinader added, “We have faith in God that we will rescue even more people alive.”
Authorities at the site urged the gathered crowd to make space for ambulances and rescue teams. An official with a megaphone implored, “You have to cooperate with authorities, please. We are removing people.”
At a nearby hospital, officials read aloud the names of the injured as anxious family members called out names of loved ones in hopes of receiving confirmation. Simultaneously, at the National Institute of Forensic Pathology, images of the deceased were projected for identification by grieving families.
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