Jet Set roof collapse caused by overload and structural chain failure

Santo Domingo.- The preliminary technical report on the collapse of the Jet Set nightclub’s roof attributes the incident to a domino effect triggered by the failure of two main beams near the entrance. The collapse was caused by excessive weight concentrated in that area, where three water tanks and four air conditioning units were installed.

Experts determined that the H and J beams supporting this section were not properly secured to each other or to surrounding structures. This flawed design, combined with multiple layers of cement—nearly 40 centimeters thick—and heavy equipment, caused the beams to bend and eventually break. Once one beam failed, the others quickly followed, resulting in a sudden chain collapse.

Additionally, the structural elements connecting the beams to the building’s perimeter were too weak to handle the pressure. As the roof twisted inward, some supporting columns gave way, making the collapse inevitable. A computer simulation confirmed that in some areas, the beams bore loads up to 27% beyond their intended capacity.

The report concludes that poor structural design and the excessive concentration of heavy equipment led to a progressive failure, ultimately causing the roof to collapse like falling dominoes.