Jet Set nightclub collapse trial: Experts cite structural overload

Jet Set nightclub collapse structural overload Antonio Espaillat Maribel Espaillat involuntary manslaughter trial

The trial regarding the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse, which resulted in 236 deaths and over 180 injuries on April 8, 2025, has progressed with expert testimony. Three forensic and structural experts—Leonardo Reyes Madera, Máximo Corominas, and Eduardo Fierro—unanimously concluded that the collapse was caused by structural overload.

According to the prosecution, the owners, Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, are responsible for placing excessive weight on the roof. This weight included up to four layers of mortar, water tanks, air conditioning units, sound equipment, and lighting. Expert Eduardo Fierro testified that the failure originated in the southern section of the structure, where the load caused progressive fatigue in the beams.

The experts ruled out external factors such as earthquakes, explosions, strong winds, or heavy rains as causes for the disaster. The trial is ongoing as the Public Ministry continues to present evidence to establish the criminal responsibility of the Espaillat siblings for involuntary manslaughter and involuntary injury.

Entities

Antonio Espaillat · Antonio Espaillat López · Eduardo Adolfo Fierro · Jet Set · Jet Set · Leonardo Reyes Madera · Maribel Espaillat · Ministério Público · Wilson Camacho

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 6 SOURCES] The tragedy resulted in 236 fatalities and more than 180 injuries. azuanoticias.com · infoenn.com · barrigaverde.net · n.com.do · ensegundos.do · +1 more
[● 7 SOURCES] The collapse of the Jet Set nightclub roof occurred on April 8, 2025. azuanoticias.com · infoenn.com · barrigaverde.net · n.com.do · www.diariolibre.com · +2 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Three expert witnesses unanimously concluded that structural overload caused the collapse. azuanoticias.com · infoenn.com · n.com.do · elnuevodiario.com.do · ensegundos.do · +1 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Experts ruled out earthquakes, explosions, strong winds, and heavy rains as causes of the collapse. n.com.do · elnuevodiario.com.do
[● 2 SOURCES] Expert Eduardo Fierro testified that the collapse originated in the southern section of the structure. n.com.do · www.diariolibre.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The overload was caused by up to four layers of mortar, water tanks, air conditioning units, and sound equipment. azuanoticias.com · infoenn.com · elnuevodiario.com.do · ensegundos.do
[● 5 SOURCES] Antonio and Maribel Espaillat are facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and involuntary injury. infoenn.com · barrigaverde.net · elnuevodiario.com.do · ensegundos.do · azuanoticias.com