Jet Set Club: Who is Dominican singer Rubby Pérez who went missing after roof collapses mid performance

The collapse occurred at around 2am local time while Pérez and his band were performing to a packed crowd. At least 13 people have been confirmed dead, with 46 others injured, as emergency services continue to search through the rubble. Some survivors are reportedly still "communicating" from beneath the debris, officials said.

Pérez, an icon in the merengue music scene known for hits like Volveré and Hazme Olvidarla, was on stage when the tragedy struck. A video circulating on social media shows the band mid-performance when the ceiling suddenly gave way, sending concertgoers and musicians scrambling. In the chaotic footage, dancers and staff can be seen looking up in fear as parts of the roof begin to shift.

Local outlet El Día confirmed that Pérez’s saxophonist was killed in the collapse. The band's bassist was rescued with a broken leg, while Rubby Pérez’s daughter-in-law, who also serves as a backup singer, survived.

According to local media as reported by the New York Post, Pérez was among those pulled alive from the rubble. The tragedy also killed Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi.

“Our prayers are with the affected families,” said President Luis Abinader, who shared his condolences in a statement. “We deeply regret the tragedy that occurred at the Jet Set nightclub. We have followed the incident minute by minute since it occurred. All relief agencies have provided the necessary assistance and are working tirelessly in the rescue efforts.”

More than 77 ambulances, eight fire trucks, and 30 Civil Defense rescuers were dispatched to the scene. Over 200 members of the National Police and 50 soldiers are assisting in the recovery effort. At least eight hospitals, including Cuban, Royal, Modern, and UCE Medical Centers, were placed on red alert to handle incoming casualties.

The Jet Set Club, a well-known hotspot in Santo Domingo’s nightlife scene, was reportedly operating at full capacity. Witnesses claim some guests had already begun to notice issues with the roof just moments before the collapse.

Who is Rubby Pérez?

Born Roberto Antonio Pérez Herrera on March 8, 1956, in Haina, Dominican Republic, is a famous merengue singer renowned for his powerful vocals. His musical journey began after a car accident ended his aspirations of becoming a baseball player. Pérez studied music at the National Conservatory of Santo Domingo and joined various musical groups, including Los Hijos del Rey.

In 1982, he became a member of Wilfrido Vargas' orchestra, where he gained prominence with hits like "El Africano" and "Volveré." Pérez then released successful tracks such as "Buscando Tus Besos" and "Dame Veneno”, following his solo career in 1987.

Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards , including Casandra Awards for "Orchestra of the Year" and "Merengue of the Year." Pérez is also recognised for his philanthropic efforts, notably aiding victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.