What began as a night of music and celebration turned into unspeakable tragedy when the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed. Singer Rubby Pérez was performing on stage with his daughter Zulinka and other musicians when disaster struck. In a final, heroic act, he moved to stand in front of the microphone where his daughter should have been — a move that ensured her safety but sealed his own fate.
In the confusion and panic, Zulinka and part of the orchestra managed to escape. Rescue crews and authorities rushed to the scene amid darkness, dust, and cries. Videos from inside the club showed the moment debris fell, the roof collapsing, and people scrambling for survival. Among the chaos, Rubby’s daughter realized that if she had been at her mic, she would have been in his place.
The death toll from the collapse was heavy, with many injured and families left shocked. Mourning spread beyond the Dominican Republic as fans and fellow artists expressed grief and outrage. Amid the sorrow, people are asking tough questions about safety, responsibility, and how a beloved venue could turn into a site of such devastating loss.
