TRAGEDY IN SANTO DOMINGO:lub Roof Collapse Kills 44, Including Sitting Governor Nelsy Cruz — Over 160 Injured Amid Outrage Over Safety Failures
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic — April 9, 2025 — A devastating tragedy struck the heart of the Dominican Republic early Tuesday morning as the roof of the iconic Jet Set Nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during a live merengue concert, leaving at least 44 people dead and more than 160 others injured.
The horrific incident occurred around 12:45 AM local time, during a high-profile musical event attended by a packed crowd, including celebrities, public figures, and international athletes. Authorities confirmed that Nelsy Cruz, the sitting Governor of Monte Cristi Province, was among those who lost their lives in the catastrophic collapse.
Cruz, the sister of renowned Major League Baseball star Nelson Cruz, was reportedly attending the concert with a delegation of provincial officials and close friends when the ceiling caved in. Eyewitnesses say she was trapped under the debris and succumbed to her injuries before emergency responders could reach her.
Nation in Shock: Mourning a Public Servant and Dozens More
The death of Governor Nelsy Cruz has sent shockwaves throughout the nation and the international Dominican diaspora. President Luis Abinader has declared three days of national mourning, calling the incident “a dark and heartbreaking moment for the Dominican Republic.”
“She was a tireless public servant, a beloved leader, and a symbol of dedication to her people,” President Abinader said in a televised address. “Her loss, along with the dozens of others who perished, is a tragedy that cuts deep into our national soul.”
Local hospitals have been overwhelmed with injured survivors, many of whom sustained severe fractures, head injuries, and internal trauma. Emergency personnel and volunteers worked through the night to pull victims from the rubble, with heavy machinery brought in at dawn to aid the rescue efforts.
High-Profile Event Ends in Catastrophe
The concert, headlined by several of the country’s top merengue artists, was part of a cultural festival celebrating Dominican musical heritage. The Jet Set Nightclub, a legendary venue known for hosting international stars and political elites, was at full capacity — estimated at more than 400 guests.
According to early reports, the structural failure appears to have begun in the ceiling above the VIP section. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts suggest that no fire or explosion preceded the collapse, fueling speculation about long-standing safety violations and neglected maintenance.
“I saw pieces of the ceiling start to shake, then a loud cracking sound before everything went dark,” said José Martinez, a survivor. “People were screaming, trying to escape. It was chaos.”
Questions Arise Over Building Safety and Regulatory Oversight
As the nation mourns, attention is rapidly shifting toward potential negligence in building safety standards. The Jet Set Nightclub, despite its prestige, has allegedly faced multiple warnings over structural issues in the past five years.
Dominican authorities have launched a full-scale investigation, and officials from the Ministry of Public Works have sealed off the premises for forensic assessment. Engineers and fire safety experts will determine whether substandard construction, outdated infrastructure, or unauthorized renovations contributed to the collapse.
“This tragedy may have been preventable,” said Julio Alvarez, a structural engineer and member of the National Building Code Committee. “We need answers, and we need accountability.”
International Condolences and Celebrity Tributes
Across the globe, tributes have poured in for the victims, especially for Nelsy Cruz. Her brother, Nelson Cruz, released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the sudden and unimaginable loss.
“I am heartbroken. Nelsy was not only my sister but my inspiration. She dedicated her life to serving others. Our family is devastated,” the MLB star wrote.
Musicians who were scheduled to perform at the event have also spoken out. “It should have been a night of joy and culture,” said merengue legend Wilfrido Vargas. “Instead, it turned into one of the darkest nights in our country’s history.”
What Comes Next: A Nation Demands Change
As investigations continue and families grieve, public anger is mounting over what many see as systemic failures in public safety enforcement. Protests are already being organized outside the Ministry of Tourism and Urban Development, with citizens demanding stricter building regulations and justice for the victims.
This tragedy may serve as a tipping point for reform. For now, the Dominican Republic mourns the loss of 44 souls, including a respected governor whose life was cut short while celebrating her nation’s cultural pride.
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