Dominican Republic Nightclub Roof Collapses & Kills Over Two Dozen During Rubby Pérez Show
This Oct. 16, 2012 photo shows Dominican singer Rubby Perez responds to questions during an interview in New York. Perez, who is celebrating his 30 years in music, was in the U.S. promoting his latest album, "Genial." (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Dominican Republic music scene is in mourning. More than two dozen people were reported dead and over a hundred injured after the roof fell at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo earlier today (Apr. 8). Among those injured is merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was singing when the tragedy occurred.
Per the Associated Press’ early reports, over 18 people were reported dead and over 120 people were injured after the nightclub’s roof collapsed and fell on them early Tuesday morning. NBC News later reported that the number increased to more than 27 people killed and 138 people injured.
The governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi, Nelsy Cruz, and Pérez’s saxophonist were among those killed. Cruz’s brother, Nelson Cruz, who is a famous baseball player, confirmed her death on social media. The authorities are still investigating the cause of the collapse.
“At this difficult time, our prayers are with each of the families affected. We share their pain as if it were our own, because we are also in mourning,” the club wrote online. “We are collaborating fully and transparently with the competent authorities to help the victims and clarify what happened.” The club also announced on their Instagram where to donate blood to help out the victims.
The island’s president also expressed his condolences. “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have been following the case minute by minute since it occurred. All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts. Our prayers are with the affected families,” he wrote on X.
Known for his hits like “Buscando Tus Besos,” Pérez was rescued from the rubble of the collapsed roof. He is reportedly stable. As cited by Hola!, between 1,000 and 1,500 people were inside at the time.
It’s been a grim week for music enthusiasts. On Saturday (Apr. 5), AXE Ceremonia also experienced an unprecedented tragedy. Two photojournalists – Citlali Berenice Gilles Rivera and Miguel Ángel Rojas – passed away after a crane structure fell on top of them at the festival’s grounds. The festival’s second day was suspended due to the catastrophe. After a couple of days, the festival released an official statement about the situation, giving their condolences and stating that they are working with the authorities.
These two occurrences sparked conversations on the safety of music goers, from the artists and journalists to the attendees. Are people truly safe when going to enjoy live music? We hope that these tragedies don’t go on in vain, and organizations revise their safety protocols to avoid these types of situations in the future.