BREAKING: Roof Collapse at Dominican Republic Nightclub Leaves Dozens Dead and Injured – Singer Rubby Pérez Narrowly Escapes Tragedy

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – April 9, 2025

Tragedy struck the heart of the Dominican Republic just one hour ago, as the roof of a packed nightclub suddenly collapsed, leaving dozens dead and injured in what is now being described as one of the most catastrophic nightclub disasters in the country’s recent memory.

The horrifying incident occurred at Club Eclipse, a popular venue located in downtown Santo Domingo. At the time of the collapse, legendary Dominican merengue singer Rubby Pérez was performing live on stage, entertaining a crowd of several hundred people. The atmosphere was festive and energetic—until it turned into a nightmare.

Eyewitnesses reported a thunderous sound followed by screams as the entire ceiling structure came crashing down in seconds. Concrete, lighting equipment, and debris buried large sections of the audience, leaving dozens trapped beneath the rubble.

Rubby Pérez, known for his powerful voice and decades-long career in music, was among the few who managed to escape the collapse without major injuries. Shaken and visibly emotional, Pérez spoke to local reporters shortly after being pulled to safety.

“Everything happened so fast, I couldn’t even process it,” he said, his voice trembling. “One moment I was singing, and the next the entire roof gave way. People were running, screaming, trying to help each other… I thank God I’m alive, but my heart is broken for those who didn’t make it.”

Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene immediately. Rescue workers, police, firefighters, and medical personnel have been working tirelessly to recover bodies and search for survivors still trapped beneath the rubble. Local hospitals are overwhelmed, with dozens of critically injured victims arriving within minutes of the collapse.

As of this report, at least 22 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 50 others injured, some of them in critical condition. Officials warn that the death toll may continue to rise as recovery efforts continue.

Dominican President Luis Abinader expressed his condolences and pledged full support for the victims and their families.

“This is a dark day for our country,” President Abinader said in a national address. “We will not rest until we understand what caused this disaster and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

Preliminary investigations suggest structural failure as the likely cause of the collapse. There are unconfirmed reports that recent renovations may have weakened the building’s support beams, and there are growing concerns about whether proper safety protocols were followed during construction or inspection.

The government has ordered a full investigation, and Club Eclipse has been shut down indefinitely. Legal experts say charges of negligence or even manslaughter may be brought if it is proven that safety regulations were ignored.

The Dominican music and entertainment community is in mourning. Fellow artists, fans, and public figures have flooded social media with messages of support for Rubby Pérez and grief for the lives lost.

One emotional tweet read:

“Rubby Pérez is a national treasure. We’re relieved he survived—but devastated by the loss of so many innocent lives. Praying for everyone affected.”

As the nation reels from this devastating event, the focus now turns to healing, accountability, and support for those who lost loved ones. Memorials are already being planned, and local churches are opening their doors to provide shelter, counseling, and assistance to grieving families.

Though alive, Rubby Pérez carries emotional wounds that may take a lifetime to heal. His final words before being taken to rest summed up the heartbreak of the moment:

“Music brought us together tonight… but we will leave here changed forever. May those who died rest in peace.”

This story is developing. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.