On the night of April 9, 2025, the collapse of the roof of the renowned Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo left at least 200 people dead and more than a hundred injured.
As rescue efforts continue, infrastructure experts are beginning to delineate the possible causes of the disaster that has shocked the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Hispanic community.
Misuse of the structure
According to structural evaluation specialists, the collapsed building, referring to the Jet Set discotheque, was originally designed to house a movie theater -El Portal-, with land use permits issued for that purpose.
Engineer Cristian Rojas, former president of the Dominican College of Engineers, Architects and Surveyors(CODIA), warned that adapting this space to operate as a discotheque implied a drastic change in the dynamic and punctual loads of the building.
The roofing system used, a double T-type prefabricated slab, was not designed to support heavy equipment such as air conditioners or power plants.
In addition, the use of inadequate waterproofing materials, such as low-quality sand, favored water seepage and the oxidation of structural rods, weakening the integrity of the roof.
Vibration, humidity and fire
Buzzy
One of the most underestimated elements, according to Rojas, was the constant exposure to noise in the Jet Set.
“Sound in discotheques generates sustained vibrations that accelerate the deterioration of weakened concrete,” he explained.
In addition, witnesses reported particle detachments from the roof days before the collapse, a clear sign of structural fatigue.
The property had also suffered a fire in 2023, when lightning struck its electrical plant.
That event could have further compromised the concrete and structural steel, which lose strength when exposed to high temperatures.
How can such a tragedy be avoided?
Engineers recommend periodic inspections using forensic engineering technology, especially when a building changes use.
In cases such as Jet Set, where leaks or deformations have already been detected, it is essential to apply structural reinforcements.
One of the most underestimated elements was constant exposure to noise
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When damage is severe, total demolition is the only viable option.
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