Tragedy struck in the Dominican Republic after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed during a concert, leaving nearly 30 dead and 120 injured in the early morning hours of Tuesday (April 8), according to multiple reports.
The club’s roof collapsed during a live performance of renowned merengue star Rubby Pérez, known for Billboard hits such as “Tu Vas a Volar,” “Enamorado de Ella,” and “15,500 Noches” in collaboration with Romeo Santos, Toño Rosario, Fernandito Villalona and Raman Orlando. The singer has been transferred to the Plaza de la Salud hospital, according to medical director Nepomuceno Mejia.
As news broke, Dominican and other Latin music stars have expressed their condolences and solidarity on social media.
“My prayers for everyone affected by this big tragedy that happened at the nightclub in Santo Domingo. Peace and much strength,” bachata sensation Prince Royce wrote on his Instagram stories.
In a collaborative Instagram post with her label and manager, Pina Records and Raphy Pina, Natti Natasha wrote: “My beloved land, the Dominican Republic. Today we all woke up with broken hearts. A tragedy that mourns our country and leaves a deep void in many families. We woke up with tears in our eyes, in silence, in prayer. May God give strength to every mother, father, child, and friend who today suffers the loss of a loved one.From the depths of my soul, I share your pain. I am with you. We are in mourning.”
“Praying for all those rescued and for the families of the more than 15 people who lost their lives! Rubby Pérez, maestro, with all my heart, praying for your safety,” merengue powerhouse Olga Tañon reacted on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Latin hitmaker Emilio Estefan Jr. shared on Instagram: “All united with the Dominican Republic in this moment of sorrow. We share the sadness of a great country that we love so much. Our prayers are with all the affected families. Emilio, Gloria, and the Estefan family.”
Dominican producer Maffio said on social media: “Wow, God, what sad news. May God put your hand on those affected and their families. What a tragedy, I’m speechless.”
Los Toros Band, helmed by vocalist Héctor Acosta and who has performed at the Jet Set club before, also shared its condolences via a statement on Instagram. “On behalf of our office and our team, we want to express our solidarity with all the Dominican people for the tragedy that occurred this morning at the nightclub in Santo Domingo,” the group wrote. “We send our condolences to the family of our colleague Rubby Pérez. May God help and give strength and comfort to the families of those affected.”
The AP reported that Pérez’s manager, Enrique Paulino, spoke to journalists at the scene about the collapse that happened about an hour after the show’s midnight start, sharing that the vocalist’s saxophone player was killed in the incident.
It is not yet known what caused the Jet Set’s roof to collapse.
See some of the other artist reactions below:
