By rikififi90 
The early hours of April 8, 2025, will be remembered as one of the darkest moments in recent Dominican history. During a live performance by celebrated merengue singer Rubby Pérez, the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed, claiming at least 66 lives and injuring 155 others. The disaster, which struck shortly after midnight, turned a night of revelry into a scene of chaos and despair. Over 370 rescue workers have been tirelessly searching through the rubble since the incident, as families gather outside, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Rubby Pérez, a towering figure in merengue music, was on stage when the collapse occurred, and his death, confirmed hours later, sent shockwaves through the nation and the Latin music community.
The Jet Set, a Santo Domingo nightlife staple for over five decades, was hosting its famous Monday night party, drawing a vibrant crowd to Pérez’s show. Known for hits that spanned generations, the singer had the audience in high spirits until the structure gave way, burying hundreds in seconds. Witnesses described a deafening roar as the roof caved in, initially mistaken by some for an earthquake, followed by screams that drowned out the music. Among the attendees were prominent figures from politics, sports, and local society, amplifying the tragedy’s reach.
Zulinka Pérez, the singer’s daughter and a backing vocalist at the event, survived the collapse but endured agonizing hours of uncertainty. She initially told reporters that her father had been found alive, singing beneath the debris to guide rescuers to him. That hope faded when his death was confirmed later that afternoon. Enrique Paulino, Pérez’s manager, also present at the scene, narrowly escaped by diving into a corner of the club, though he reported the band’s saxophonist was among the fatalities.
Who was Rubby Pérez, the merengue legend
Roberto Antonio Pérez Herrera, known to the world as Rubby Pérez, was born on March 8, 1956, in Bajos de Haina, a town near Santo Domingo. Before becoming a merengue icon, Pérez dreamed of a baseball career, a passion shared by many in the Dominican Republic. That ambition ended at 15 after a car accident left him with a permanent leg injury. Spending nearly a year hospitalized, he turned to music, teaching himself guitar and setting the stage for a remarkable career.
After studying at the National Conservatory of Music in Santo Domingo, Pérez began his professional journey in 1978 with groups like Los Hijos del Rey and Los Pitágoras del Ritmo. His powerful voice and charisma soon caught attention, leading him to join Wilfrido Vargas’s orchestra in 1982. There, he recorded hits like “El Africano” and “Volveré,” earning the nickname “The highest voice in merengue.” In 1987, he launched a solo career with the album “Buscando Tus Besos,” cementing his status as a beloved artist with 13 albums and numerous awards over the decades.
Pérez was more than a musician; he embodied the Dominican spirit. His electrifying performances drew fans across Latin America and beyond, earning him accolades like the Casandra Awards for “Orchestra of the Year” and “Merengue of the Year,” plus Globo Awards for “Best Song” and “Album of the Year.” His humanitarian efforts, including aid to Haiti’s 2010 earthquake victims, showcased a compassionate side that endeared him further to his audience.
The Jet Set collapse: details of the disaster
The roof of the Jet Set nightclub gave way at 12:44 a.m. local time, mid-performance. Social media videos captured the moments before, showing Pérez reacting to sand falling from above, pointing upward as the crowd filmed. Within 30 seconds, the structure collapsed, engulfing the stage, dance floor, and seating areas. Over 300 people were inside, and the devastation was immediate, with concrete beams and metal crushing everything below.
Emergency teams arrived swiftly, but the scale of the destruction slowed initial efforts. Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the Emergency Operations Center, emphasized that rescuers believed survivors remained trapped, driving a round-the-clock operation. Over 77 ambulances and specialized collapse units were deployed, supported by cranes and helicopters to clear heavy debris. By Tuesday night, 146 people had been pulled out, though the death toll continued to rise as bodies were recovered.
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. Witnesses reported instability in the roof beforehand, but officials are still determining whether structural failure or neglect is to blame. The Jet Set, a nightlife landmark, had faced a fire in 2023 sparked by lightning hitting its power plant. Though the club claimed its integrity was intact post-incident, that event has reignited scrutiny over its safety standards.
- Notable victims of the collapse:
- Rubby Pérez, merengue singer, 69 years old.
- Nelsy Cruz, Montecristi governor, died after emergency surgery.
- Octavio Dotel, former Major League Baseball player, passed en route to hospital.
- Tony Blanco, ex-baseball player, confirmed among the deceased.
Immediate response and rescue efforts
The tragedy prompted a swift reaction from Dominican authorities. President Luis Abinader monitored the situation from the outset, visiting the site to offer support. In a social media post, he expressed grief and assured that all rescue agencies were fully engaged. Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía added that the National Disaster Prevention, Mitigation, and Response Committee was in constant session to oversee operations.
Outside the Jet Set, anguish reigned. Families gathered, clutching photos of missing loved ones, as hospitals struggled with an influx of injured. Authorities issued an urgent call for blood donations, and rescue efforts pressed on with heavy machinery cutting through concrete and wood. Aerial footage revealed a gaping hole where the roof once stood, a stark testament to the collapse’s force.
The presence of public figures among the victims heightened the event’s impact. Beyond Pérez, Montecristi Governor Nelsy Cruz, sister of former baseball star Nelson Cruz, was rescued alive but succumbed to her injuries. Octavio Dotel, a 15-year MLB veteran, and Tony Blanco, another baseball standout, also perished. The Major League Baseball organization released a statement mourning the losses, underscoring the deep ties between the sport and the Dominican Republic.
Impact on Dominican culture
Rubby Pérez’s death struck a profound blow to Dominican culture. Merengue, a rhythm he helped elevate to national heritage status, embodies the country’s festive soul. Known for his unmistakable voice and timeless hits, Pérez was a cultural ambassador whose loss reverberates widely. Wilfrido Vargas, his former mentor, grieved the departure of a peer he called irreplaceable in the genre.
The Jet Set itself was a cultural cornerstone. For over 50 years, it hosted top Dominican and international acts, serving as a hub for the elite and dance enthusiasts alike. Its final social media post invited fans to “enjoy Rubby Pérez’s greatest hits at the country’s best club.” Post-tragedy, the venue pledged full cooperation with authorities to aid victims and uncover the truth.
The disaster also raises safety concerns for public venues in a nation that welcomed over 11 million tourists in 2024, with tourism driving 15% of its GDP. A tragedy of this magnitude could dent confidence in Santo Domingo’s nightlife, a draw for visitors seeking its beaches, music, and energy, spotlighting infrastructure challenges in historic locales.
Timeline of events at Jet Set
The Jet Set collapse unfolded rapidly, with lasting repercussions. Key moments include:
- 12:44 a.m.: Roof collapses during Rubby Pérez’s performance.
- 12:49 a.m.: Nelsy Cruz calls President Abinader for help before being buried.
- 1:00 a.m.: First responders arrive and begin search efforts.
- 10:00 a.m.: Zulinka Pérez reports her father found alive, singing under rubble.
- 5:00 p.m.: Rubby Pérez’s death confirmed by manager Enrique Paulino.
Eyewitness accounts and chaos
Those inside the Jet Set on April 8 lived through sheer terror. A surviving band member recalled a sudden tremor before the collapse, attempting to reach Pérez but blocked by debris. A patron near the stage saw something fall from the ceiling moments prior, gesturing upward as Pérez appeared puzzled.
Zulinka Pérez described her husband shielding her, only to be trapped himself. She escaped but waited anxiously for news of her father, who sang to aid his rescue. Families like Manuel Olivo Ortiz’s lingered outside, clinging to faith. “We’re holding onto God alone,” Ortiz said, watching rescuers toil.
Crowds swelled around the site, some weeping, others shouting names of the missing. At a nearby hospital, staff read survivor lists aloud as tension mounted. The sudden shift from celebration to nightmare left an indelible mark on all present.
Other victims and national mourning
Beyond Pérez, the tragedy claimed other prominent lives. Nelsy Cruz contacted Abinader at 12:49 a.m., reporting she was trapped, but died post-surgery. First Lady Raquel Arbaje called it “a tragedy too vast.” Octavio Dotel, 51, a World Series winner, and Tony Blanco, another baseball hero, were among the fallen, plunging Dominican sports into grief.
The deceased also included band saxophonist Luis Solís, cardiologist Lourdes Ricart, and Luis Emilio Guillén, Haina Lions Club president, who brought 30 townsfolk to the show. Each loss tells a story cut short, silencing a city known for its vibrancy.
Ongoing efforts and unanswered questions
By April 9 morning, rescue operations persisted. Over 24 hours in, teams worked under floodlights, bolstered by generators, cutting through debris. Hope of finding survivors waned, but officials vowed to press on. Presidential spokesperson Homero Figueroa confirmed heavy equipment was speeding efforts as the search for answers intensified.
Uncertainty surrounds the collapse’s cause. The building’s age—over 50 years—and its 2023 fire fuel speculation about upkeep. Victims’ families, like Darío Solano, a colleague of Guillén, demand clarity. “Why isn’t anyone asking what failed?” Solano questioned, noting the club’s ownership by the influential Espaillat López family, tied to a Dominican media conglomerate.
As probes continue, the nation mourns. The loss of Pérez and 65 others in a place meant for joy exposes deeper vulnerabilities. One of the deadliest incidents in recent Dominican history, it leaves a void in music, sports, and daily life as the country seeks to recover.
Rubby Pérez’s legacy in numbers
Pérez’s impact on music is quantifiable:
- 13 solo albums released.
- Over 20 hits with Wilfrido Vargas’s orchestra.
- Casandra Awards for “Orchestra of the Year” and “Merengue of the Year.”
- Gold and platinum records in Venezuela and beyond.
Tributes and music world reactions
Pérez’s death sparked widespread tributes. Wilfrido Vargas hailed him as a merengue giant whose energy shaped the genre. Olga Tañón, the Puerto Rican star, mourned the “maestro,” praising his singular voice.
Fans flooded social platforms with memories, sharing clips of iconic performances. Weeks earlier, Pérez earned a standing ovation at the Soberano Awards for his decades-long contributions—an unintended farewell now etched in memory.
The Jet Set tragedy, with 66 confirmed deaths so far, echoes regional disasters like San Cristóbal’s 2023 explosion (40 dead) and Higuey’s 2005 prison fire (130 dead). Yet, Pérez’s cultural weight sets this apart, his voice a silenced emblem of Dominican joy.
The early hours of April 8, 2025, will be remembered as one of the darkest moments in recent Dominican history. During a live performance by celebrated merengue singer Rubby Pérez, the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed, claiming at least 66 lives and injuring 155 others. The disaster, which struck shortly after midnight, turned a night of revelry into a scene of chaos and despair. Over 370 rescue workers have been tirelessly searching through the rubble since the incident, as families gather outside, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. Rubby Pérez, a towering figure in merengue music, was on stage when the collapse occurred, and his death, confirmed hours later, sent shockwaves through the nation and the Latin music community.
The Jet Set, a Santo Domingo nightlife staple for over five decades, was hosting its famous Monday night party, drawing a vibrant crowd to Pérez’s show. Known for hits that spanned generations, the singer had the audience in high spirits until the structure gave way, burying hundreds in seconds. Witnesses described a deafening roar as the roof caved in, initially mistaken by some for an earthquake, followed by screams that drowned out the music. Among the attendees were prominent figures from politics, sports, and local society, amplifying the tragedy’s reach.
Zulinka Pérez, the singer’s daughter and a backing vocalist at the event, survived the collapse but endured agonizing hours of uncertainty. She initially told reporters that her father had been found alive, singing beneath the debris to guide rescuers to him. That hope faded when his death was confirmed later that afternoon. Enrique Paulino, Pérez’s manager, also present at the scene, narrowly escaped by diving into a corner of the club, though he reported the band’s saxophonist was among the fatalities.
Who was Rubby Pérez, the merengue legend
Roberto Antonio Pérez Herrera, known to the world as Rubby Pérez, was born on March 8, 1956, in Bajos de Haina, a town near Santo Domingo. Before becoming a merengue icon, Pérez dreamed of a baseball career, a passion shared by many in the Dominican Republic. That ambition ended at 15 after a car accident left him with a permanent leg injury. Spending nearly a year hospitalized, he turned to music, teaching himself guitar and setting the stage for a remarkable career.
After studying at the National Conservatory of Music in Santo Domingo, Pérez began his professional journey in 1978 with groups like Los Hijos del Rey and Los Pitágoras del Ritmo. His powerful voice and charisma soon caught attention, leading him to join Wilfrido Vargas’s orchestra in 1982. There, he recorded hits like “El Africano” and “Volveré,” earning the nickname “The highest voice in merengue.” In 1987, he launched a solo career with the album “Buscando Tus Besos,” cementing his status as a beloved artist with 13 albums and numerous awards over the decades.
Pérez was more than a musician; he embodied the Dominican spirit. His electrifying performances drew fans across Latin America and beyond, earning him accolades like the Casandra Awards for “Orchestra of the Year” and “Merengue of the Year,” plus Globo Awards for “Best Song” and “Album of the Year.” His humanitarian efforts, including aid to Haiti’s 2010 earthquake victims, showcased a compassionate side that endeared him further to his audience.
The Jet Set collapse: details of the disaster
The roof of the Jet Set nightclub gave way at 12:44 a.m. local time, mid-performance. Social media videos captured the moments before, showing Pérez reacting to sand falling from above, pointing upward as the crowd filmed. Within 30 seconds, the structure collapsed, engulfing the stage, dance floor, and seating areas. Over 300 people were inside, and the devastation was immediate, with concrete beams and metal crushing everything below.
Emergency teams arrived swiftly, but the scale of the destruction slowed initial efforts. Juan Manuel Méndez, head of the Emergency Operations Center, emphasized that rescuers believed survivors remained trapped, driving a round-the-clock operation. Over 77 ambulances and specialized collapse units were deployed, supported by cranes and helicopters to clear heavy debris. By Tuesday night, 146 people had been pulled out, though the death toll continued to rise as bodies were recovered.
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. Witnesses reported instability in the roof beforehand, but officials are still determining whether structural failure or neglect is to blame. The Jet Set, a nightlife landmark, had faced a fire in 2023 sparked by lightning hitting its power plant. Though the club claimed its integrity was intact post-incident, that event has reignited scrutiny over its safety standards.
- Notable victims of the collapse:
- Rubby Pérez, merengue singer, 69 years old.
- Nelsy Cruz, Montecristi governor, died after emergency surgery.
- Octavio Dotel, former Major League Baseball player, passed en route to hospital.
- Tony Blanco, ex-baseball player, confirmed among the deceased.
Immediate response and rescue efforts
The tragedy prompted a swift reaction from Dominican authorities. President Luis Abinader monitored the situation from the outset, visiting the site to offer support. In a social media post, he expressed grief and assured that all rescue agencies were fully engaged. Santo Domingo Mayor Carolina Mejía added that the National Disaster Prevention, Mitigation, and Response Committee was in constant session to oversee operations.
Outside the Jet Set, anguish reigned. Families gathered, clutching photos of missing loved ones, as hospitals struggled with an influx of injured. Authorities issued an urgent call for blood donations, and rescue efforts pressed on with heavy machinery cutting through concrete and wood. Aerial footage revealed a gaping hole where the roof once stood, a stark testament to the collapse’s force.
The presence of public figures among the victims heightened the event’s impact. Beyond Pérez, Montecristi Governor Nelsy Cruz, sister of former baseball star Nelson Cruz, was rescued alive but succumbed to her injuries. Octavio Dotel, a 15-year MLB veteran, and Tony Blanco, another baseball standout, also perished. The Major League Baseball organization released a statement mourning the losses, underscoring the deep ties between the sport and the Dominican Republic.
Impact on Dominican culture
Rubby Pérez’s death struck a profound blow to Dominican culture. Merengue, a rhythm he helped elevate to national heritage status, embodies the country’s festive soul. Known for his unmistakable voice and timeless hits, Pérez was a cultural ambassador whose loss reverberates widely. Wilfrido Vargas, his former mentor, grieved the departure of a peer he called irreplaceable in the genre.
The Jet Set itself was a cultural cornerstone. For over 50 years, it hosted top Dominican and international acts, serving as a hub for the elite and dance enthusiasts alike. Its final social media post invited fans to “enjoy Rubby Pérez’s greatest hits at the country’s best club.” Post-tragedy, the venue pledged full cooperation with authorities to aid victims and uncover the truth.
The disaster also raises safety concerns for public venues in a nation that welcomed over 11 million tourists in 2024, with tourism driving 15% of its GDP. A tragedy of this magnitude could dent confidence in Santo Domingo’s nightlife, a draw for visitors seeking its beaches, music, and energy, spotlighting infrastructure challenges in historic locales.
Timeline of events at Jet Set
The Jet Set collapse unfolded rapidly, with lasting repercussions. Key moments include:
- 12:44 a.m.: Roof collapses during Rubby Pérez’s performance.
- 12:49 a.m.: Nelsy Cruz calls President Abinader for help before being buried.
- 1:00 a.m.: First responders arrive and begin search efforts.
- 10:00 a.m.: Zulinka Pérez reports her father found alive, singing under rubble.
- 5:00 p.m.: Rubby Pérez’s death confirmed by manager Enrique Paulino.
Eyewitness accounts and chaos
Those inside the Jet Set on April 8 lived through sheer terror. A surviving band member recalled a sudden tremor before the collapse, attempting to reach Pérez but blocked by debris. A patron near the stage saw something fall from the ceiling moments prior, gesturing upward as Pérez appeared puzzled.
Zulinka Pérez described her husband shielding her, only to be trapped himself. She escaped but waited anxiously for news of her father, who sang to aid his rescue. Families like Manuel Olivo Ortiz’s lingered outside, clinging to faith. “We’re holding onto God alone,” Ortiz said, watching rescuers toil.
Crowds swelled around the site, some weeping, others shouting names of the missing. At a nearby hospital, staff read survivor lists aloud as tension mounted. The sudden shift from celebration to nightmare left an indelible mark on all present.
Other victims and national mourning
Beyond Pérez, the tragedy claimed other prominent lives. Nelsy Cruz contacted Abinader at 12:49 a.m., reporting she was trapped, but died post-surgery. First Lady Raquel Arbaje called it “a tragedy too vast.” Octavio Dotel, 51, a World Series winner, and Tony Blanco, another baseball hero, were among the fallen, plunging Dominican sports into grief.
The deceased also included band saxophonist Luis Solís, cardiologist Lourdes Ricart, and Luis Emilio Guillén, Haina Lions Club president, who brought 30 townsfolk to the show. Each loss tells a story cut short, silencing a city known for its vibrancy.
Ongoing efforts and unanswered questions
By April 9 morning, rescue operations persisted. Over 24 hours in, teams worked under floodlights, bolstered by generators, cutting through debris. Hope of finding survivors waned, but officials vowed to press on. Presidential spokesperson Homero Figueroa confirmed heavy equipment was speeding efforts as the search for answers intensified.
Uncertainty surrounds the collapse’s cause. The building’s age—over 50 years—and its 2023 fire fuel speculation about upkeep. Victims’ families, like Darío Solano, a colleague of Guillén, demand clarity. “Why isn’t anyone asking what failed?” Solano questioned, noting the club’s ownership by the influential Espaillat López family, tied to a Dominican media conglomerate.
As probes continue, the nation mourns. The loss of Pérez and 65 others in a place meant for joy exposes deeper vulnerabilities. One of the deadliest incidents in recent Dominican history, it leaves a void in music, sports, and daily life as the country seeks to recover.
Rubby Pérez’s legacy in numbers
Pérez’s impact on music is quantifiable:
- 13 solo albums released.
- Over 20 hits with Wilfrido Vargas’s orchestra.
- Casandra Awards for “Orchestra of the Year” and “Merengue of the Year.”
- Gold and platinum records in Venezuela and beyond.
Tributes and music world reactions
Pérez’s death sparked widespread tributes. Wilfrido Vargas hailed him as a merengue giant whose energy shaped the genre. Olga Tañón, the Puerto Rican star, mourned the “maestro,” praising his singular voice.
Fans flooded social platforms with memories, sharing clips of iconic performances. Weeks earlier, Pérez earned a standing ovation at the Soberano Awards for his decades-long contributions—an unintended farewell now etched in memory.
The Jet Set tragedy, with 66 confirmed deaths so far, echoes regional disasters like San Cristóbal’s 2023 explosion (40 dead) and Higuey’s 2005 prison fire (130 dead). Yet, Pérez’s cultural weight sets this apart, his voice a silenced emblem of Dominican joy.
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