LYNN — Members of the Dominican community and local leaders gathered Thursday evening to honor the victims of the Jet Set nightclub collapse in Santo Domingo, which left more than 220 people dead and many more injured or missing.
Organized by the Dominican Flag Committee, the vigil brought residents together for prayer, song, and remembrance outside City Hall. Speakers included community advocates and local officials, many of whom emphasized the emotional impact felt across Lynn, where Dominican residents make up a vital and deeply rooted part of the city.
“The tragic roof collapse in the Dominican Republic, which has claimed more than 200 lives, with many injured and still missing, weighs heavily in our hearts,” Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said. “The City of Lynn and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are home to many Dominicans, and we stand with you in mourning, offering our deepest sympathies and support during this difficult time.”
Attendees described the April 8 disaster as both heartbreaking and deeply personal. The collapse occurred during a live performance by famed merengue singer Rubby Pérez, killing him along with at least two former Major League Baseball players, 17 U.S. citizens, and scores of workers and concertgoers.
“In my city alone, more than 15 people died,” said Jose Encarnación, president of the Dominican Flag Committee, who had just returned from the Dominican Republic. “We’ve had natural disasters before, but never anything like this. This could have been prevented.” He added that authorities in the Dominican Republic have launched an investigation into what caused the collapse.
Brandy Estrella, a Dominican-American Lynn resident, said the tragedy has united the community in grief, but also stirred deep frustration.
“Even though none of my family was in there, I still felt some type of way,” Estrella said. “It was a tragedy for all Dominicans around the planet. Whether you knew someone or not, we all lost something.”
Estrella also voiced anger over the rescue response. “They were suffocating under there. People were trapped for a whole day. In the U.S. or China, you’d have everyone out within an hour. But over there? People died waiting.”
Jaico Colón, a high school student with ties to both Lynn and Lawrence, echoed the concern. “Everybody in the community feels the same way: people should’ve been pulled out faster.”
Frances Martinez, founding president and CEO of the North Shore Latino Business Association, issued a statement on the day of the collapse.
“It is heartbreaking to witness the tragedy of the Jet Set roof collapse in the capital,” Martinez said. “The sadness we feel affects us all. We have lost so many lives, and we share in the grief of what has transpired. The Dominican Republic, with its emblem that states ‘God, Homeland, Freedom,’ is a symbol of faith and resilience. We are with you and keep you in our prayers.”
“We’ve contributed so much to this city,” said Lenny Peña, a Lynn School Committee member and longtime community advocate. “We’re Dominicans, yes. But we’re part of Lynn. We help make this city what it is.”
Maria Carrasco, a longtime civic leader and the first Latino ever elected to office in Lynn, said the tragedy marked a turning point for the country.
“This is the first time something like this has happened in our country,” Carrasco said. “It’s going to change everything—the way we live, the way we build. There will be a before and after.”
Yoleny Ynoa, a local community organizer and co-organizer of the vigil, said the gathering in Lynn followed similar events in Boston, Lawrence, and Salem and served as a powerful moment of solidarity.
“Stand with us,” Ynoa said. “Pray for us. Because our hearts are broken.”
