In the heart of Santo Domingo, a celebration turned into a frantic rescue mission when the Jet Set nightclub's ceiling caved in, tragically claiming at least 221 lives. One survivor, Carwin Javie Molleja, recalls the horrifying events that unfolded on Tuesday morning, where he and his mother found themselves grappling with chaos amidst a night that was meant for family reunion and entertainment.
Survivor Recalls Terror of Dominican Republic Nightclub Ceiling Collapse
Survivor Recalls Terror of Dominican Republic Nightclub Ceiling Collapse
A mother-son duo experiences a night of celebration turn into catastrophe as they recount the chaos of a tragic nightclub incident.
Carwin, a percussionist who met his mother, Carmin, for the first time in three years, initially dismissed tiny debris falling from the ceiling as harmless while enjoying a concert by famed merengue singer Rubby Pérez. However, it soon became clear that something catastrophic was happening. "What I have in my head are the screams,” he recalls, as he instinctively hugged his mother amidst the deafening sounds of falling debris.
Both Carwin and Carmin managed to escape with minor injuries. Still, in the frantic atmosphere, Carwin was driven by the urgency to locate his friend Jessica. Bravely navigating the collapsed nightclub, he called for her relentlessly, futilely trying to pierce the chaos as heavy stones rained down. Despite his desperate efforts, he found himself feeling helpless as he witnessed people being pulled from the wreckage, including a deceased saxophonist.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but Carwin didn’t see immediate machinery to clear the debris. After ensuring his mother’s safety, he ultimately had to leave, only to learn later that Jessica and her sister were among the tragic victims. Haunted by his inability to assist his friend, Carwin expressed his devastation, stating, "It feels awful not being able to do anything."
This tragic event has highlighted the need for improved safety measures in local venues and the importance of community support in the wake of such disasters. With friends and family forever altered by this tragedy, the survivor's story underscores the urgency to address safety concerns in public spaces, ensuring that future events remain joyous and safe rather than catastrophic.
Both Carwin and Carmin managed to escape with minor injuries. Still, in the frantic atmosphere, Carwin was driven by the urgency to locate his friend Jessica. Bravely navigating the collapsed nightclub, he called for her relentlessly, futilely trying to pierce the chaos as heavy stones rained down. Despite his desperate efforts, he found himself feeling helpless as he witnessed people being pulled from the wreckage, including a deceased saxophonist.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but Carwin didn’t see immediate machinery to clear the debris. After ensuring his mother’s safety, he ultimately had to leave, only to learn later that Jessica and her sister were among the tragic victims. Haunted by his inability to assist his friend, Carwin expressed his devastation, stating, "It feels awful not being able to do anything."
This tragic event has highlighted the need for improved safety measures in local venues and the importance of community support in the wake of such disasters. With friends and family forever altered by this tragedy, the survivor's story underscores the urgency to address safety concerns in public spaces, ensuring that future events remain joyous and safe rather than catastrophic.
