Structural overload: The cause of the collapse at Jet Set according to Onesvie
The Director General of the National Office for Seismic Assessment and Vulnerability of Infrastructure and Buildings (Onesvie), Leonardo de Jesús Reyes Madera, presented a technical report to the Second Criminal Chamber of the National District, which identifies excessive overloading as the primary factor behind the collapse of the Jet Set nightclub roof.
During his appearance as a witness for the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the trial against Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, engineer Reyes Madera detailed that the establishment’s structure supported a weight far exceeding what it was originally designed for, which ended up compromising the integrity of the roof.
Expert report details
The official explained that, after carrying out the corresponding technical analyses, constructive elements were identified that dangerously increased the load on the roof. Among the most relevant findings, he highlighted:
- The installation of a mortar layer, composed of sand and cement, over the original roof.
- The purpose of this layer was to create a slope for rainwater drainage, but its thickness exceeded the building’s safety limits.
- The accumulated load critically multiplied the pressure supported by the structural elements.
The accumulated load on the roof ended up exceeding the levels originally planned for the structure several times over, becoming a determining factor in the roof’s collapse.
Leonardo de Jesús Reyes Madera, director of Onesvie
Reyes Madera’s testimony constitutes a key piece of evidence provided by the Public Prosecutor’s Office to clarify responsibilities in this case. The collapse of the establishment’s structure resulted in a tragedy that left a regrettable toll of 236 people dead and more than 80 injured.
The judicial process continues its course in the courts, where expert reports and expert testimonies are being evaluated to determine the legal consequences for the owners involved in this event that shocked Dominican society.
