Reading's Dominicans mourn those killed in the nightclub disaster
The atmosphere was somber, yet hopeful, Tuesday night as members of Reading's Dominican community gathered at City Hall to mourn the loss and celebrate the lives of the more than 200 killed when a roof collapsed at a nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
As of Monday, the death toll in the April 8 tragedy at the Jet Set nightclub had risen to 231. Another 200 or more were injured, according to Associated Press reports.
'I'd like to thank you all for being here and coming together as a community, united to support the mourning of the lost lives and the other victims that were affected,' said Councilwoman Vanessa Campos.
Campos served as master of ceremonies for the memorial vigil, organized by the Dominican Association of Reading and held in Council Chambers due to the inclement weather.
Reading City Councilwoman Vanessa Campos speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
About 200 area residents, many with Dominican ancestry, bowed their heads in a prayer led by the Rev. Andy Mercedes. They waved miniature Dominican flags and held battery-operated candles aloft as they joined Mercedes in singing the popular hymn Paz en la Tormenta, or Peace in the Storm.
Participants also joined in spiritual songs led by musician George Garcia.
Speakers at the event included Patricia Vazquez, president of the Dominican Association; Alexandra Peralta, a local community leader; Magisterial Judge Priscilla Campos; and state, county and city elected officials.
Most spoke to the crowd in Spanish, without an interpreter.
Reading Mayor Eddie Moran speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Translating his speech to English, Mayor Eddie Moran, thanked the community for coming together in unity.
'Anybody that has heard of the loss of lives that occurred into the Dominican Republic, I think, will feel the pain,' the mayor said. 'You know, these are real lives that were lost, people who were dreamers, people who had history, people who have touched the hearts of many in the world.'
Pastor Andy Mercedes sings 'Paz en la Tormenta' during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
About 18,575 people in Reading identify as Dominican, according to the 2020 U.S. census. This makes Reading one of the top 25 cities with large Dominican populations.
With such a large number, Council President Donna Reed said, it is likely that some of those living in Reading lost relatives, friends or acquaintances.
Mourners gather during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
'I know many of you here must have personal stories about the awful tragedy that occurred,' Reed said, offering her condolences. 'We are all family; all one city.'
It is particularly heartrending that such an immense tragedy occurred in the early days of spring, she said. It's a time for celebration, she said, when trees and flowers are blooming, the sun is warm and there is new hope all around.
It is hard to comprehend such a staggering loss of lives, she said. But the community has come together to celebrate those lives with friendship, music and hope.
Reed said she like to believe those killed in the tragedy are also celebrating in the heavens.
'Hopefully, we can in the midst all this terrible sorrow and sadness, think of the light, think of the rebirth,' she said.
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during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
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Mourners gather during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
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Reading City Councilwoman Vanessa Campos speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
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during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
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Reading City Councilwoman Vanessa Campos speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
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Reading Mayor Eddie Moran speaks during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
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Pastor Andy Mercedes sings 'Paz en la Tormenta' during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
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during a vigil Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Reading City Council chambers in memory of those killed in a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
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