cting Governor Way today signed Executive Order No. 385, ordering U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on Monday, April 21, 2025, in recognition and mourning of the lives lost due to the roof collapse at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

In the early morning hours of April 8, 2025, the roof of the historic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed, claiming the lives of at least 226 people and injuring at least 181 others. As more information is gathered, the number of casualties is likely to rise in the coming days. Among the victims were at least four New Jersey residents. New Jersey is proud of its deep and enduring ties to the Dominican Republic and is home to more than 360,000 Dominican residents.

“New Jersey is the proud home of a strong and vibrant Dominican community, many of whom knew someone who died or was injured in the nightclub collapse,” said Acting Governor Way. “Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy, especially the families of the four New Jerseyans who died.”

“We are deeply grateful to Governor Phil Murphy and his entire team for their consistent support and solidarity toward the Dominican Republic. This action is a true gesture of empathy in the face of the immense grief our people are experiencing following the tragic loss of so many lives during the collapse of Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo,” said José Francisco Santana Suriel, Consul General of the Dominican Republic in New Jersey. “On behalf of the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, we offer our heartfelt thanks to Acting Governor Tahesha Way and the entire the Murphy Administration and value the support that has been extended to the Dominican community in New Jersey. There were residents of New Jersey among the victims of this tragedy, and we are thankful to the elected officials who contributed to the repatriation process of those victims and provided assistance here and in the Dominican Republic. Thank you for standing with us during this difficult time.”