Expert report reveals overweight on the Jet Set roof due to accumulation of unauthorized equipment and structures

Santo Domingo. – The expert technical report included in the judicial file on the Jet Set tragedy revealed that the nightclub’s roof collapsed due, in large part, to the overload caused by the accumulation of structures, technical equipment, and water tanks, installed without technical supervision or structural studies. According to the Public Ministry’s document, from 2011 to 2025, the owners Antonio Espaillat and Maribel Espaillat used the roof as an auxiliary operational platform, where up to 17 heavy elements were installed. Among these:

• 4 water tanks,
• 6 air conditioning units,
• 7 metal “aluzinc” type booths,
• multiple ducts and technical boxes.

In addition, experts detected that in some areas of the roof, up to four layers of fine mortar had accumulated, reaching a height of 37.5 centimeters, which critically increased the pressure on the post-tensioned cross beams and columns.

You can also read: Gregori Adames warned Antonio Espaillat about roof detachments hours before the collapse at Jet Set

The report concludes that this excessive load, added to the deterioration due to leaks and interventions without technical support, was decisive in the collapse that occurred on April 8, which left more than 235 people dead and more than 170 injured, including the merengue singer Rubby Pérez. Authorities point out that the accused acted with recklessness and negligence, by not carrying out a professional technical evaluation of the roof’s load capacity and by placing structures on it that were not contemplated in the original design. The Prosecution has requested preventive detention for 18 months for Antonio Espaillat and house arrest with precautionary measures for Maribel Espaillat.