![[left] Aerial view of Jet Set nightclub after roof collapse. [right] Rubby Perez doing a live performance there. Thumbnail done on Canva.](https://dmhsherald.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/HH-Thumnail-38-1200x777.png)
[left] Aerial view of Jet Set nightclub after roof collapse. [right] Rubby Perez doing a live performance there. Thumbnail done on Canva.
What Happened on April 8th, 2025?
On Tuesday, April 8th, the roof of a nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic suddenly fell on top of hundreds of people, including Merengue Singer Rubby Pérez who was performing a live show. Jet Set, the nightclub located in Plaza El Portal, Av. Independencia Km. 6, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which had been operating since 1973, had undergone renovations in 2010 and 2015, and was struck by lightning back in 2023 as well.
Investigators are still trying to figure out what was the structural cause of this tragic incident. 400 responders were sent to do an immediate search and rescue mission. At least 155 trips to hospitals were made during the rescue effort.
Jet Set’s owners made a statement and said the following:
“Last night, a tragedy struck a chord with all of us at Jet Set and with all Dominicans. The loss of life leaves us in a state of profound pain and dismay. In this difficult time, our prayers are with each of the affected families. We share their pain as if it were our own, because we are also in mourning. We are collaborating fully and transparently with the relevant authorities to assist the victims and clarify what happened. From the very beginning, we have activated all possible mechanisms to provide support to those affected. In addition, we inform you that renowned journalist María Elena Núñez has agreed to be our official spokesperson during this difficult time. From now on, she will be the one to provide clear, responsible, and constant information to the public and the media. We join in the expressions of solidarity from across the country in this unexpectedly painful situation.
With respect and deep regret,
The Jet Set Family”
(Google translated from Spanish to English)
After the incident, President Luis Abinader, along with Dominican authorities, declared a six-day national mourning period in the Dominican Republic.
Who was Rubby Pérez?
Roberto Antonio Pérez Herrera, professionally known as Rubby Pérez, was born on March 8th 1956 in the Dominican Republic. The legendary Merengue icon was known for his unique vocals in hit songs like “El Africano,” “Volveré,” and “Cobarde Cobarde.” His debut album, released in 1987, “Buscando Tus Besos” was the start of his successful career as a soloist. Unfortunately, Pérez was one of the 225+ people who tragically passed away from the roof collapse in the Jet Set nightclub, where he was doing a live performance at, 69 years of age.
According to his daughter, Zulinka Pérez, “her father started to sing so rescuers could find him in the rubble.” Global music stars Daddy Yankee and Marc Anthony offered prayers for those affected from the collapse in a social media post with Anthony sending “a hug from a distance” to “my brothers and sisters from the Dominican Republic,” and Daddy Yankee saying there are “no words to express the sadness at seeing the tragedy that happened at Jet Set.” Fast forward two days later on Thursday, April 10th, fans and countrymen, as well as family, loved ones, and other mourners who supported Pérez, attended his funeral.
After learning about what occurred on Tuesday, April 8th at Jet Set, do you believe negligence was the root cause of the horrific collapse? Do you believe the owners did a good job taking responsibility? Do you think victims and families need more than just condolences? Share your opinions and critiques on this matter by clicking the comment button on your right-hand side! Tune in for more articles.
My condolences to the ones greatly affected by this horrible tragedy. May everyone we’ve lost rest in peace.
Sources:
https://apnews.com/article/dominican-republic-club-roof-collapsed-jet-set-8ff771f605ca3e1e575263677e384cda
https://abcnews.go.com/International/dominican-republic-nightclub-roof-collapse-jet-set/story?id=120608001
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/dominican-families-plead-release-remains-roof-collapse-autopsy-delays-rcna200840
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/04/11/world/americas/nightclub-dominican-republic-collapse.html
https://apnews.com/article/merengue-rubby-perez-dominican-roof-collapse-b0b9b796845fc6f228cc87f166f2a8e8
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_Set_nightclub_roof_collapse#cite_note-nbc-7