From night icon to scene of national tragedy

Santo Domingo. — What for more than five decades was synonymous with elegance, live music, and memorable nights, is today the epicenter of one of the most serious civil tragedies in the recent history of the Dominican Republic. On the morning of Tuesday, April 8, the roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Pérez, leaving 236 people dead and dozens injured.

There are still no identified responsible parties nor conclusive explanations for what happened. Authorities reported that an official commission, headed by the National Office for Seismic Evaluation and Infrastructure and Building Vulnerability (ONESVIE), continues to evaluate the structural causes of the collapse.

A story that began in 1973

Located on Independencia Avenue in Santo Domingo, Jet Set was founded by Grecia López in 1973 with a concept that marked a before and after in Dominican entertainment. Its exclusive atmosphere, the elegance of its infrastructure, and its artistic lineup quickly made it the preferred place for artists, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and social figures in the country.

In its early days, the venue operated as a restaurant and nightclub. Among the first groups to take its stage were Fernando Villalona, Jochy Hernández, and Conjunto Quisqueya.

Over the years, the Jet Set not only remained current but also raised its standards. It was remodeled in 2010 and again in 2015, when it incorporated a new stage, intelligent lights, LED screens, a second VIP level, and a renovated dance floor.

A temple of music

Great figures of international music such as Héctor Lavoe, Willie Colón, Rubén Blades and Gilberto Santa Rosa shared the stage with Dominican legends such as Johnny Ventura, Wilfrido Vargas and Los Hermanos Rosario. Their famous “Lunes de Jet Set” became a tradition for lovers of salsa, merengue and good music.

Previous Fire

On July 25, 2023, a lightning strike caused a fire in the establishment's plant room. Although it was quickly controlled and did not generate major consequences, it represented a warning sign about the structural condition of the premises.

Silence and Claims After the Collapse

Since the collapse that occurred in April, the victims' families have demanded answers. Social organizations have called for greater transparency in the investigation and question how a structure with so much history could fail so catastrophically.

Meanwhile, the country remains shocked. Jet Set, which for 52 years was synonymous with nightlife, is today a symbol of national mourning. The lights went out forever, but the pain remains lit.