At Least 113 Killed as Nightclub Roof Collapses During Merengue Concert in Dominican Republic

Rescue efforts are ongoing after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic’s capital collapsed during a packed merengue concert, killing at least 113 people and injuring over 160.

The tragic incident occurred on Monday night while popular merengue singer Rubby Perez was performing. The Jet Set nightclub, a well-known venue in Santo Domingo, was hosting an event attended by politicians, athletes, and music lovers when the roof gave way.

Emergency operations director Juan Manuel Mendez said on Tuesday evening that rescue teams were still hearing noises beneath the rubble and were focusing on three critical search zones. “We’re going to search tirelessly for people,” he stated.

Among those confirmed dead are Montecristi governor Nelsy Cruz and two former Major League Baseball players. National lawmaker Bray Vargas is among the injured, while Rubby Perez remains missing.

The collapse has left many families in anguish. Manuel Olivo Ortiz, whose son was at the concert, stood outside the wreckage alongside dozens of others hoping for news. “We’re holding on only to God,” he said.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the collapse. Santo Domingo prosecutor Rosalba Ramos emphasized that the priority remains finding survivors. “Everyone wants to know what happened,” she said, “but our focus right now is on rescue efforts.”

Jet Set nightclub management said it is fully cooperating with investigators as the country mourns one of its deadliest peacetime tragedies.