Nightclub owner reveals long-standing issues before deadly roof collapse

In the Dominican Republic, a tragic incident occurred at the Jet Set nightclub on April 8, 2025, when the roof collapsed during a performance by merengue singer Rubby Pérez. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 232 people, highlighting serious concerns about building safety in the area. Antonio Espaillat, owner and manager of the club, spoke for the first time after the event and revealed that the nightclub had been facing filtration issues for decades, which had required constant repairs with plasterboard. Water leaks from air conditioning units reportedly contributed to the structural problems, although Espaillat asserted that measures were taken to waterproof the roof before the collapse. Reports indicated that around 515 individuals were present in the club at the time of the disaster, with emergency crews managing to rescue 189 survivors in the following days. Espaillat revealed that he was in Las Vegas for a convention when he first received the devastating news from his sister, who was trapped beneath the rubble. He expressed deep sorrow for the families of victims and emphasized his own emotional turmoil in the aftermath. The incident has prompted calls for increased scrutiny of building safety regulations in the Dominican Republic, particularly for private business structures, as current legislation lacks a dedicated agency for routine inspections. President Luis Abinader has indicated that new laws will be introduced to address these concerns. The investigation into the roof collapse is expected to take several months and may expose widespread safety issues affecting infrastructure in Santo Domingo and beyond. Water infiltration can lead to significant structural damage over time, and experts stress that urgent attention is required to repair any leaks. Yamil Castillo, a structural engineer, pointed out that the impact of corrosive conditions, such as salty air, should not be underestimated in maintaining building safety. The tragedy at the Jet Set nightclub has not only drawn attention to the specific circumstances surrounding the collapse but has also raised broader questions about the state of infrastructure safety across the region, suggesting many other buildings may be at risk. As the authorities work towards uncovering the root cause of this catastrophe, the ramifications for building practices and regulations in the Dominican Republic are likely to be extensive. In conclusion, the Jet Set nightclub disaster serves as a critical reminder of the importance of construction safety and the impact that neglecting maintenance can have on human life. As the investigation unfolds, it may reshape how safety protocols are implemented and maintained in entertainment venues and other public spaces across the nation.