Nightclub owner admits tiles from the ceiling frequently detached years prior to tragic roof collapse incident.
In the wake of a tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, which claimed over 200 lives and injured hundreds more, the venue's owner, Antonio Espaillat, has admitted to longstanding structural issues. The nightclub, which had been operating for three decades, had never received a thorough structural review from authorities, despite visible deterioration and recurring repairs.
During an interview with CNN affiliate Telesistema, Espaillat revealed that plasterboards were frequently replaced due to water damage from air conditioning units on the roof. This maintenance, though regular throughout the years, was performed without any professional inspections. Moreover, the structure bore the weight of multiple air conditioning units, electrical modifications, water tanks, and a generator.
The incident occurred during a Merengue concert on the night of April 8th, when more than 300 people were inside. Espaillat believes the actual number of attendees could have been as high as 500. His own sister, tragically, was among the victims trapped under the rubble.
Since the collapse, Espaillat has expressed feeling powerless, saying if he had been alerted to the risks, he would have addressed them promptly. The disaster left him "completely devastated."
Relatives of the deceased, Virgilio Rafael Cruz Aponte, have filed a civil suit against the nightclub owners and local authorities, alleging structural negligence and inadequate state supervision. Espaillat has not yet commented on the case.
Authorities have promised to form a technical team to investigate the cause of the disaster, but have yet to provide updates on the progress of the investigation. In response to questions about possible avoidance of such an incident, Espaillat expressed his feelings of powerlessness.
In the past, engineers had highlighted the risks of "soft failures" and vibrations from crowded events, though their warnings went unheeded. Social media comments (unverified) even suggested advice to demolish the building was given as early as 2023[3]. Despite waterproofing every 6-8 years, core structural weaknesses remained unaddressed[5].
As the tragedy unfolded, Espaillat's sister Maribel called him from under the rubble, informing him of the incident. He flew to Santo Domingo the next day, expressing shock and disbelief at the scale of the disaster[6].
Despite the unfolding legal case, Espaillat has vowed to support the families of the deceased and injured employees throughout the process. "I am here, and I am going to face everything," he emphasized.
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/12/americas/dominican-republic-nightclub-collapse/index.html[2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/13/americas/dominican-republic-nightclub-owner-collapsed-roof/index.html[3] https://westwoodonepodcasts.com/cbs-news/episode-1034-roof-collapses-at-dominican-republic-nightclub-killing-at-least-155/[4] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rockefeller-foundation-domestic-disaster-relief-fund/[5] https://www.eficaz.org/en/articles/dominican-nightclub-collapse-caused-by-poor-maintenance-and-negligence/[6] https://www.diariolibre.com/noticias/cuentan-las-victimas-de-la-ruina-de-le-jet-set_819046
- During the interview, Espaillat explained that his sister, Maribel, called him from under the rubble after the roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo.
- The lawsuit filed by relatives of the deceased, Virgilio Rafael Cruz Aponte, accuses nightclub owners and local authorities of structural negligence and inadequate state supervision.
- Despite multiple structural repairs and waterproofing every 6-8 years, the Jet Set nightclub had core structural weaknesses that remained unaddressed.
- As the general news of the disaster continues, Espaillat has vowed to support the families of the deceased and injured employees throughout the legal process, stating, "I am here, and I am going to face everything."
