Jet Set Nightclub Owner Admits Structural Negligence After Roof Collapse Kills 232 in Santo Domingo

The tragic roof collapse at Jet Set Nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has left the nation in mourning and raised urgent concerns over building safety regulations. 232 people were killed and dozens more injured when the club’s roof caved in during a live concert on April 8.

In a televised interview with Telesistema, nightclub owner and manager Antonio Espaillat made his first public statement since the disaster, admitting that the building had suffered from long-standing structural issues for over a decade.

Plasterboard Used for Years to Cover Structural Damage

According to Espaillat, the roof had been patched multiple times using plasterboard, including just hours before the fatal collapse. He admitted that plasterboard had fallen repeatedly over the years, often triggered by leaks from the building’s air conditioning system. Despite ongoing issues, no professional inspections were ever conducted on the roof or the water filtration systems.

“There was no warning, nothing. We were all surprised,” said Espaillat. “If I could have prevented it, I would have done everything in my power.”

Roof Strained by Heavy Equipment

Espaillat detailed that the nightclub’s roof supported six air conditioning units, three water tanks, and that a power generator was installed in an adjacent room, not on the roof. The last waterproofing of the roof occurred only a month before the collapse, he added.

Owner Speaks Out After Losing Concertgoers and Employees

Espaillat revealed he was in Las Vegas attending a convention when he got the devastating news. His sister, who was trapped under the debris, called to alert him of the tragedy. Among the victims was popular merengue musician Rubby Pérez, who was performing at the time of the collapse.

“To the families of the victims, I want to say I’m sorry. I’m very sorry,” said Espaillat. “I am destroyed.”

Fearing for his safety due to growing public outrage, Espaillat did not appear at the scene during rescue operations. Angry crowds had gathered outside the wreckage as emergency teams worked around the clock.

Victims Included Doctors, Celebrities, and Government Officials

In the 53-hour rescue mission, at least 189 survivors were pulled from the rubble, while dozens were hospitalized with serious injuries.

According to the Associated Press, the victims included:

• Seven doctors
• A retired United Nations official
• Former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera
• Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz

Legal Action and Government Response

At least three lawsuits have been filed against Jet Set Nightclub’s ownership, the Dominican government, and the mayor’s office of Santo Domingo, demanding unspecified damages and criminal charges for involuntary manslaughter.

In response to mounting public pressure, President Luis Abinader announced the formation of an expert task force to investigate the root cause of the disaster. The tragedy has also highlighted a critical issue: there is currently no government agency responsible for inspecting private commercial buildings in the Dominican Republic.

However, new legislation is reportedly in the works to strengthen building safety laws and enforce mandatory inspections across all private venues.

Espaillat: “I’m Going to Face Everything”

Despite the legal challenges and intense public backlash, Espaillat says he is cooperating fully with authorities. “I’ve barely slept. I’m going to face everything. I’m not going anywhere,” he stated.