Empire State Review Team 
Tragic Nightclub Roof Collapse in Dominican Republic
Location: NEW YORK – A catastrophic roof collapse at Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic during a packed merengue performance has resulted in at least 124 fatalities and over 100 injuries. Among the deceased is renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez and 24-year-old Jennifer Contreras from Passaic, New Jersey, who was in the country for a beauty class.
Incident Overview
The disaster struck during a lively Monday night event featuring Rubby Pérez, one of merengue’s most famous figures. Eyewitness reports indicate that part of the ceiling began to cave in moments before the entire roof fell, trapping numerous patrons beneath the debris.
Victims and Emergency Response
In addition to Rubby Pérez, notable victims include former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and several prominent public figures from the Dominican Republic. Rescue efforts continue with assistance from emergency responders from Puerto Rico and Israel, who have joined local authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operations. To date, 145 individuals have been successfully rescued from the rubble.
Local Impact and Statements
Concerns are particularly high for Jennifer Contreras, whose family has traveled to the Dominican Republic amidst the search for their loved one. Despite their tireless efforts visiting hospitals and morgues, there is still no sign of her. Her brother, Anthony, expressed the family’s distress over the uncertainties surrounding her whereabouts.
Pérez’s Farewell Performance
Rubby Pérez had recently performed in New York City just days before this tragic event, showcasing his enduring legacy in the merengue music scene. His final New York performance occurred at La Nueva España in Inwood, where he provided an impromptu show for a local youth’s birthday celebration, which now stands as a poignant memory for his fans.
Witness Accounts
Survivors recount the chaos of the event, describing moments just before the collapse as terrifying. One witness stated, “It all happened so fast,” as they recalled the dust falling into drinks just before the ceiling came crashing down.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the roof collapse. As of now, it remains unclear whether prior safety concerns had been reported or when the last inspection of the building occurred. The owners of the nightclub are reportedly cooperating with inquiries, but have not released further statements.
Next Steps and Community Response
The immediate focus of authorities is to ensure the successful extraction of potential survivors. Once the search efforts conclude, a detailed investigation into the circumstances leading to this tragedy is expected to follow.
As the community mourns, residents in Inwood, where Pérez performed last week, have gathered to honor his memory by establishing a memorial outside the United Palace Theater, digging into both the cultural significance of his work and the void his absence leaves.
Call for Information
Officials have urged anyone with information regarding missing individuals who were at Jet Set the night of the disaster to contact Dominican emergency services immediately.
Source Attribution
Information in this article was sourced from FOX 5 staff reports and the Associated Press.
