The preliminary hearing regarding the structural collapse at the Jet Set Club has been rescheduled for 20 April 2026, marking yet another delay in a judicial process that continues to draw sharp criticism from the victims’ families. Judge Raymundo Mejía, of the First Court of Instruction of the National District, presided over the session where the decision was made to grant more time for the defense to review evidence.
The collapse, which occurred on 8 April 2025 during a performance by merengue star Rubby Pérez, is considered one of the deadliest structural disasters in the country’s history. The final official toll was established at 236 dead and 180 injured following the conclusion of a 53-hour search and rescue operation.
During the proceedings on 6 April 2026, judge Raymundo Mejía also authorized the presentation of a separate technical report to determine the causes of the roof collapse. This new expert assessment was requested by the defense for the siblings Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, who face charges of involuntary manslaughter and structural negligence.
The new study is expected to better position the accused from accusations of “immense irresponsibility and negligence” for failing to perform necessary structural interventions despite frequent signs of deterioration.
Lawyer Yan Carlos Martínez, representing the victims, stated that while the court granted this new assessment, the findings will not invalidate the first technical report that was ordered by the Presidency to the National Office for Seismic Assessment (Onesvie). That report concluded the roof failed when the load exceeded its structural resistance. Martínez emphasized that the original report remains a robust piece of evidence for the prosecution.
The earlier technical investigation was carried out with the participation of independent forensic engineers who highlighted three critical structural failures:
Excessive roof load: Between 2011 and 2025, the number of heavy items on the roof (AC units, water tanks, and industrial ducts) increased from 7 to 17. The roof was never reinforced to handle this weight.
Removal of support columns: To improve sightlines for the stage and “aesthetic reasons,” a central structural column was removed without professional engineering oversight, significantly compromising the roof’s stability.
Negligent maintenance: Investigators found that a plastic tarp had been placed between the structural roof and the ceiling tiles to catch water and sand leaks, hiding the progressive deterioration of the rebar and concrete from view.
Somos Pueblo reports on how the recurring judicial delays have caused significant distress among the victims’ relatives. A relative of one of the victims criticized the repeated postponements, describing them as a deliberate strategy to exhaust and discourage the claimants until they abandon the case and accept compensation offered by the club. The siblings are also accused of attempting to intimidate or manipulate employees to prevent them from testifying against the management.
Among the notable victims of the roof collapse are:
Rubby Pérez, the iconic merengue singer.
Nelsy Cruz, the Governor of Montecristi province.
Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball pitcher.
Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, a Dominican professional baseball player.
Martín Polanco, a prominent New York-based fashion designer.
Eduardo Guarionex Estrella Cruz, then-Vice Minister of Housing.
Alexandra Grullón Segura, daughter of Alejandro Grullón and Melba Segura de Grullón.
Eduardo Grullón, chairman of AFP Popular, and his wife, Jhoanna Rodríguez.
Read more:
Diario Libre
Somos Pueblo
Noticias SIN
Wikipedia
Global News
Attorney General Office
07 April 2026