
Night of Horror: Survivor Reveals Chaos of Dominican Nightclub Collapse
2025-04-11
Author: Wai
In the heart of Santo Domingo, a night meant for celebration turned into a scene of devastation. Carwin Javie Molleja, 32, was dancing with his mother at the famed Jet Set nightclub when disaster struck just after 1:00 AM.
What began as a joyful reunion after three years apart quickly transformed into terror as Carwin noticed debris falling from the ceiling. "No one expected a small stone would lead to an entire roof collapsing," he recalled.
A Night to Remember Turns Tragic
Carwin and his mother, who were thrilled to see the beloved merengue singer Rubby Pérez, suddenly found themselves amidst chaos. "What I remember are the screams and the deafening sound of the ceiling crashing down. My mother was shouting to see if I was okay, and I was yelling back the same," Carwin said, his voice trembling with emotion.
As the ceiling caved in, instinct kicked in—Carwin closed his eyes and instinctively hugged his mother tight. Both were fortunate to escape serious injuries, but the trauma etched into their minds would linger forever.
Desperation in the Ruins
As they emerged from the wreckage, Carwin remembered his friend Jessica and her sister were still trapped inside the nightclub. Despite the overwhelming fear and despair surrounding him, he stepped back into the darkened chaos. "I shouted her name repeatedly, but all I heard was silence. I felt utterly helpless amidst the fallen debris," he described.
Every attempt to reach Jessica was met with deafening chaos. Carwin rushed out to call for paramedics and then back in again, desperate to find his friends. "After a while, my calls stopped connecting," he added, a sense of helplessness washing over him.
Total Chaos Unleashed
The aftermath was shocking. "People were frantic, pulling out anyone they could. I watched as they retrieved the saxophonist who sadly lost his life in the incident," Carwin recounted.
Emergency services arrived quickly, but Carwin was frustrated at the sight of rescue equipment yet to arrive. He stayed for an hour and a half, torn between finding Jessica and getting his mother, who was in considerable pain, home safely.
Tragic Loss Amid Survival
Later that day, the heartbreaking news broke: Jessica and her sister's bodies had been discovered in the rubble. With a heavy heart, Carwin lamented his inability to rescue his friend. "It was unbearable not being able to help her. I screamed, but she never answered. It’s a feeling I can’t shake off," he shared, heartbroken.
In total, the tragic collapse claimed at least 221 lives, marking this event as a dark chapter in the nightclub’s legacy and leaving scars on those who survived.