Disappearance of Merengue Star Rubby Pérez After Nightclub Roof Collapse

The renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez remains missing following a catastrophic incident at the popular Jet Set nightclub, where he was performing during the venue’s traditional Monday night party. Around 2 AM Tuesday, the club’s roof collapsed, resulting in a tragic accident. In this incident, the orchestra’s alto saxophonist lost his life, while the bassist, pianist, Rubby Pérez’s daughter Zulinka Pérez, and the artist’s son-in-law were injured. Other musicians managed to escape, some without injury.

Video footage shared on social media captures the precise moment of the disaster as Rubby Pérez and his band played. In response, retired General Juan Manuel Méndez rapidly arrived on the scene. Acting on the orders of President Luis Abinader, he activated the Center for Emergency Operations (COE). Since the incident, COE reports indicate 13 fatalities and 46 injuries, with victims transported to various Santo Domingo hospitals by 911 emergency units.

At the scene, National Police Director Major General Ramón Antonio Guzmán Peralta was present, along with Vice Admiral Agustín Alberto Morillo Rodríguez, representing the Dominican Navy and Unified Joint Command. These officials, representing Defense Minister Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, coordinated with various rescue and medical teams.

Participating in the rescue operation were units of the 911 system, fire department personnel, members of the DICRIM investigative division, Civil Defense teams, as well as medical and rescue squads. To assist concerned family members, COE set up an information tent across from the nightclub, located on Independence Avenue, for updates on missing or injured guests who attended the event.