Nightclub Tragedy: Survivor Describes Horrific Ceiling Collapse that Claimed 221 Lives

Carwin Javie Molleja reflects on his dual nightmare of survival and loss just hours after the tragedy, trying to process the horror of the nightclub disaster that claimed his friend's life.

At 1:00 AM on Tuesday, a night of celebration at Santo Domingo's Jet Set nightclub turned into a disaster. Carwin Javie Molleja, a 32-year-old percussionist, was enjoying a moment of reunion with his mother, Carmin, after three years apart. They were present to watch a concert by merengue star Rubby Pérez when a small stone fell from the ceiling, sending them into a chaotic fear that they had little idea would lead to a catastrophic ceiling collapse.

Carwin recalls the sudden shift from music to chaos: “What I have in my head are the screams, the loud sound of the ceiling falling in, my mom's screams asking me if I'm OK.” He instinctively wrapped his arms around his mother as debris fell around them. Although both were struck on the head, they miraculously avoided serious injuries.

Tragedy struck just moments later: the ceiling collapse claimed at least 221 lives, including that of the performer Rubby Pérez. Carwin and his mother were quickly able to escape the building, but his heart was torn as he realized his friends Jessica and her sister were still trapped inside. Driven by desperation, he ventured back into the club, desperately calling out their names but to no avail. “I felt powerless to help those who had become trapped under the debris,” he admitted, overwhelmed by the weight of the situation.

Chaos reigned as survivors attempted to assist the injured, with Carwin witnessing devastating scenes, including the rescue of the deceased saxophonist. Despite the quick arrival of emergency responders, Carwin noted that machinery to remove debris was absent, leaving him with a sense of helplessness.

After an agonizing hour and a half, Carwin knew he had to prioritize his mother’s wellbeing and take her home, despite their desperate need to find Jessica. Later, he received the heartbreaking news that Jessica’s lifeless body had been discovered among the rubble. The anguish of not being able to save his friend left a heavy burden on his conscience.

“I regret not having been able to do more for my friend,” Carwin expressed, encapsulating the feeling of helplessness that lingered over the tragedy. “It feels awful not being able to do anything.” As the community mourns the staggering death toll from this incident, Carwin’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal hearts shattered amid the widespread calamity.