A profound tragedy occurred at Jet Set, one of the Dominican Republic’s famed nightclubs, resulting in at least 124 fatalities and over 100 injuries following a catastrophic roof collapse during a crowded merengue performance.

The incident took place on a bustling Monday night, when the establishment was teeming with guests. Witnesses reported that part of the ceiling started to fall apart just moments before the entire structure gave way, trapping many beneath the debris.

Notable Victims

The list of confirmed victims includes renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez, former MLB players like Octavio Dotel, and fashion designer Martín Polanco, alongside multiple musicians and prominent public figures from the Dominican Republic.

Among those still unaccounted for is 24-year-old Jennifer Contreras from Passaic, New Jersey, who had traveled to the country for a beauty class. Her family is anxiously searching for information about her whereabouts after receiving no word since the tragedy.

Ongoing Rescue Operations

Emergency services, supported by rescue teams from Puerto Rico and Israel, are actively engaged in search and rescue missions. So far, 145 individuals have been successfully extricated from the rubble, as efforts continue at the site.

Local authorities have yet to confirm the specific cause of the collapse. Investigators are diligently working to uncover the circumstances surrounding the disaster, including examining whether any prior safety concerns had been noted regarding the building.

Survivor Accounts

Eyewitnesses have shared harrowing accounts from the night of the collapse. One survivor recounted, “It all happened so fast,” describing the moment before the ceiling gave way. Video footage circulating on social media captured dust cascading down just before the structure’s failure.

Inwood residents have begun creating memorials for Rubby Pérez outside the United Palace Theater, where he last performed just days prior to the incident, further illustrating the impact of this tragedy on the community.

Investigation and Future Actions

Authorities will prioritize locating any remaining survivors while beginning a comprehensive investigation into the roof’s failure. Currently, it remains unclear when the nightclub was last inspected, and officials have referred questions about the ownership and management to the relevant municipal offices.

If you have information about individuals who might have been at Jet Set during the collapse, please reach out to Dominican emergency services.