Latest news with #JetSetNightclub
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Vigil honors victims of fatal nightclub roof collapse in Dominican Republic
HARLEM, N.Y. (PIX11) — A solemn prayer vigil took place on Wednesday night in Harlem. Clergy gathered to remember the victims of the deadly roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. This happened as the first known lawsuit against the owners of the nightclub, the Dominican government, and the Santo Domingo mayor's office was filed. More Local News Reverend Felipe Ayala Jr is of Dominican Descent. He, along with other Harlem clergy, gathered on Wednesday evening to pray for the 231 victims of the deadly roof collapse in the Dominican Republic. On April 8th, tragedy struck the JetSet Nightclub when the roof collapsed during a merengue concert headlined by Rubby Pérez. More than 400 people were in attendance. 'We are making sure they know they are being lifted up from all the way from the U.S.,' said Reverend Felipe Ayala Jr. from Life Changes Church and Ministries. 'Our community is strong, the DR community here in NYC is strong.' Reverend Robert Rice from Bethel Gospel Assembly added, 'We are coming together as Harlem chaplains' pastors to say we stand with you, Dominican Republic.' The small prayer vigil happened as the family of one of the victims took legal action following the deadly nightclub collapse. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and a criminal conviction for involuntary manslaughter against the club's owners. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State 'We are not only praying for the victims, but with their family,' said Pastor Joshua Jay Mercado from Disaster Response Ministries International. 'If you do the math, it's over a 1000 of them together… so that's why we are here to pray for them.' This week, President Luis Abinader confirmed currently there isn't an agency to oversee the construction of private businesses like the nightclub, adding his administration is working on a bill to change that. 'We don't need to be immediate family to lift those families in prayers and to stand in god for those family members,' said local resident Kyle Melendez. The nightclub owner says he is actively cooperating with the investigation, as the Dominican government launched an investigation with international experts to determine exactly what caused the roof to collapse. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Search turns to recovery as Miami's Dominican community honors nightclub victims
The search and rescue mission for people trapped beneath the rubble of an iconic Dominican Republic nightclub has turned into a recovery mission and Miami's Dominican community has gathered to honor the lives lost and those forever changed. Many attending the vigil in Allapattah said Monday nights into Tuesday mornings are the most popular times to visit Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo and the loss of over 120 people and counting is unfathomable. "That was the biggest party in the country every Monday and for all these people that were there, they were celebrating life, and something like this happens," said Luisa Sanchez. "It is so sad." Dominican flags, candles, and tears filled the air at Juan Pablo Duarte Park as those present stood together in grief. At least 300 people were inside Jet Set Nightclub when the collapse occurred. According to Dominican authorities, over 120 are confirmed dead, and more than 140 have been injured. "Seeing our friends that did survive exiting the building in total disbelief and shock, and then as the day went on finding out that we also had friends that passed in this tragic event was just heartbreaking," said Isha Cabrera. Among those lost was famed merengue artist Rubby Perez, who had performed at the club just an hour before the roof gave way. His friend Rafael Calderon shared the heartbreak of speaking to Perez's daughter. "I spoke to his daughter because they know me real well and they're devastated, the whole family is devastated," said Calderon. "The whole country is devastated." The government of the Dominican Republic said rescue crews are now on a recovery mission. "I spent the last two days calling my friends like, 'Do you know anybody, were you there, are you okay, have you been able to locate your brother, your sister, your cousin,'" said Karla Maria Cabral. For Dominicans in Miami, they are mourning for their country. A memorial mass will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Miami, providing another opportunity for the community to come together in prayer and remembrance. "Just take the time to say, 'I love you and I miss you and I can't wait to see you,' and just hug everyone just a little more tightly," Cabral said. After the recovery mission is complete, the Dominican government said the investigation phase will begin as they try to determine a cause. "We don't know or understand what happened," said Cabrera. "We just know that there are a lot of families today that are mourning their loved ones. A lot of children that woke up today being orphans."
