Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse Kills 184, Rescue Efforts End as Nation Mourns

In a tragic turn of events, the Dominican Republic has been plunged into national mourning after a devastating nightclub roof collapse in the capital city of Santo Domingo claimed the lives of 184 people. Emergency responders officially concluded rescue operations on Wednesday, shifting focus to body recovery after confirming that all realistic chances of finding survivors had been exhausted.

The collapse occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at the Jet Set nightclub, a historic venue and long-standing fixture of the Dominican nightlife scene. The club was packed with between 500 to 1,000 people who had gathered to enjoy a live performance by famed merengue singer Rubby Perez. What was meant to be a night of celebration turned into one of the Caribbean nation’s worst disasters in decades.

Jose Luis Frometa Herasme, chief of the Santo Domingo fire service, confirmed the grim update: "Today we will complete the rescue effort." More than 300 rescuers, supported by search dogs and international teams from Puerto Rico and Israel, worked tirelessly for two days, digging through mountains of rubble—twisted steel, crumbled bricks, and collapsed tin roofing—in hopes of locating any remaining survivors.

The tragedy deepened on Wednesday when authorities reported that an additional 60 bodies were discovered throughout the day, raising the total death toll to 184. In addition to the fatalities, more than 500 people were injured during the collapse, many suffering from severe wounds, burns, or traumatic injuries due to falling debris and structural collapse.

The atmosphere outside the club remained tense as desperate family members waited for updates about missing loved ones. At local hospitals and the morgue, heartbroken families gathered in the hopes of receiving news, though many were met with silence or confirmation of loss. Antonio Hernandez, whose son worked at Jet Set, admitted he feared the worst. “I don't have the stomach to find out the worst yet,” he said, referencing a body that matched his son’s description.

The emotional toll was also evident for Mercedes Lopez, who waited in pain and uncertainty. “We haven't found him on the lists or in the hospitals,” she said of her son, clinging to hope amid despair.

The impact of the disaster stretched beyond Dominican borders. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended condolences on behalf of the United States, confirming that at least one American citizen was among the dead. “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating event,” Rubio said in a statement. Pope Francis also sent his sympathies, praying for those affected by the tragic collapse.

The collapse claimed the lives of prominent figures in Latin American culture and sports, including merengue icon Rubby Perez and two former Major League Baseball players—Octavio Dotel, known for his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, and Tony Blanco. Perez’s daughter, Zulinka, managed to escape the building, but her father did not survive. His death sparked an outpouring of tributes across the region. "Maestro, what a great pain you leave us," Puerto Rican singer Olga Tañón wrote. Wilfrido Vargas, Perez’s former band leader, said he was “devastated” by the loss of a musical legend.

President Luis Abinader declared three days of national mourning, urging unity in this time of sorrow. The government has promised a full investigation into the cause of the collapse and pledged to work with survivors and affected families.

Survivors described a chaotic and terrifying scene. One survivor, Iris Pena, recounted how she noticed dirt falling into her drink moments before a piece of debris shattered her table. “The impact was so strong, as if it had been a tsunami or an earthquake,” she said.

Jet Set nightclub has vowed to cooperate with authorities investigating the collapse. The venue, which could hold up to 1,700 people, had long been considered a safe and upscale space for live performances and social gatherings. However, scrutiny is now falling on the building’s structural integrity, safety inspections, and crowd management on the night of the event.

This tragedy marks one of the most fatal peacetime disasters in Dominican Republic history. The last comparable incident occurred in 2005, when a prison fire in the country’s east killed more than 130 inmates. As the nation mourns and recovers, the Dominican people are left grappling with a devastating loss of life and the urgent need for accountability and reform in public venue safety.

With the rescue phase now officially concluded, families and officials turn their attention to honoring the dead, supporting the injured, and rebuilding both physically and emotionally after this historic tragedy.