A huge tragedy that has shocked the Dominican Republic: the number of people who lost their lives in the collapse of the roof of the Jet Set nightclub, one of the most popular nightclubs in Santo Domingo, has risen to at least 218. The toll, still provisional, was confirmed by the director of the Emergency Operations Center, Juan Manuel Mendez, during a dramatic press update.
“With great regret, we can confirm that there are 218 deaths”, Mendez said, adding that 189 people were rescued, many of them in critical condition. The collapse occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, when the dance floor was packed with customers. In an instant, the roof collapsed, turning the night of celebration into a death trap.
Rescue operations continue unabated, with authorities busy digging through the rubble in search of any survivors. In the meantime, investigations are underway to clarify the responsibilities behind a disaster that has left an entire nation in shock. Initial hypotheses speak of structural deficiencies, but at the moment no version is official.
Among the victims there are also two Italian citizens. One of them is a Dominican woman with dual citizenship, the other is Luca Massimo Iemolo, a 49-year-old originally from Catania and chef of the renowned Sarah Restaurant in the Dominican capital. His colleagues remember him with emotion, describing him as “a passionate professional, who lived his profession with love and respect. His commitment in the kitchen, his love for flavors and his team spirit were his signature.”
A human and culinary legacy that – they assure – will continue to live on in the dishes and hearts of those who knew him. Iemolo also had a past marked by judicial events: in 2018 he was arrested at Catania Fontanarossa airport, returning from Turkey, on a prison order for a 16-month sentence for criminal association. A fragment of life that does not erase the pain of a tragic and sudden disappearance.
Article published on 10 April 2025 - 14:26
It is truly a huge tragedy, but I do not understand why there were so many deaths in a place that was supposed to be safe. I hope that the authorities find answers and that those responsible are punished for this disaster. It is unacceptable.