At 1:00 AM on a Tuesday morning, Carwin Javie Molleja was having a great time dancing with his mother at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo. Suddenly, he noticed something fall from the ceiling. “No one thought a small stone could lead to such a disaster,” he recalls.
Carwin, a 32-year-old percussionist who had moved to the Dominican Republic eight years ago, was excited to reconnect with his mother for the first time in three years while enjoying a merengue concert by singer Rubby Pérez. However, that joy turned to horror when the ceiling collapsed, killing at least 221 people.
Amid the chaos, Carwin heard screams and felt panic. “All I could think was to hug my mom,” he remembers. They were hit by debris but escaped serious injury. However, the nightmare continued as Carwin realized his friend Jessica and her sister were still trapped inside.
Desperate to find them, he re-entered the club, risking his own safety. “The stones were huge. I felt useless,” he admitted, clearly traumatized by the helplessness of the situation. Amid the cries and chaos, he shouted Jessica’s name but got no response. Those frantic moments were excruciating, as he repeatedly tried to call for help while running back inside.
The scene quickly turned chaotic. Carwin saw brave souls pulling out injured patrons, including a saxophonist who sadly did not survive. Emergency services arrived within minutes, but Carwin felt a sense of urgency to get his mother home first, as she was visibly shaken and in pain.
Recent reports indicate that structural integrity issues in older buildings contribute to disaster risks, like what happened at the nightclub. The Jet Set collapse highlights a growing concern about safety regulations in entertainment venues. According to a 2023 survey by the Building Safety Minister, over 40% of attendees in nightlife areas express worry about building safety.
As the dust settled, Jessica and her sister’s bodies were found among the wreckage. Carwin’s regret was palpable—“It was horrible not being able to help her.” The emotional toll of such events can linger long after the physical wounds heal.
In our connected world, news spreads quickly, fueling discussions on social media. Many have taken to Twitter to express their shock and condolences while calling for stricter safety regulations in nightlife venues. The hashtag #SafetyFirst has trended since the incident, emphasizing the need for better oversight.
Tragedies like this remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of community safety. In the face of disaster, the bravery of individuals often stands out, but the need for systemic change remains urgent. For more information on building safety regulations, you can refer to the National Fire Protection Association.
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