Colonial Zone hotel collapse no cause for panic

Santo Domingo.- The spokesperson of the technical commission that investigates what caused the collapse of Hotel Frances on Wednesday said since the Colonial Zone reconstruction works started more than one year ago, cracks in buildings in the historic center have never been reported.

Maribel Villalona, who also heads the project, ?said during the last 18 months of work on more than 2,000 linear meters they’ve yet to be informed of any cracks on buildings or facades.

She said the technical committee has already met to determine what caused Saturday night’s collapse of the front of the building built during the 16th century.

In a press conference where the Tourism Ministry and Accor hotel chain announced the Hotel’s reconstruction, Villalona said the results of the investigation will be released shortly.