What Sparked This Fact-Check
A tragic nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, claimed at least 44 lives and left dozens more injured, prompting urgent questions from readers about causes and accountability. One question in particular stands out: did the construction company responsible for the Jet Set nightclub cut corners or violate safety regulations, potentially leading to the collapse? We unpack the facts behind this catastrophic event.
Background: Dominican Republic Building Regulations
The Dominican Republic has updated its national building codes in recent years, specifically after the 2010 Haiti earthquake emphasized the need for stronger seismic resilience across the region. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, especially in older buildings or establishments modified without modern permits. Private venues such as restaurants and nightclubs often fall under less rigorous oversight unless complaints or inspections occur. The Jet Set nightclub was a long-established venue, popular for decades, raising the possibility that it was constructed under outdated standards or underwent unsupervised renovations.
Claim #1: The collapse was caused by construction companies cutting corners or violating safety codes.
The CNN article states, “The cause of the collapse is not yet known,” and no direct accusations are made toward the builders. As of April 8, 2025, neither the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Works nor emergency officials have released an official statement on structural deficiencies or misconduct. Without a completed investigation or structural engineering report, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that construction malpractice caused the disaster. It’s worth noting that the venue has been in operation for more than 30 years, which may mean that age, lack of ongoing maintenance, or renovation without permits played a role — but these remain unconfirmed.
Verdict: Insufficient Evidence
Claim #2: Over 100 people remain trapped under the nightclub debris.
The article reports that “around 100 people still [remain] trapped,” citing Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center. Local Dominican media, including Diario Libre and Listín Diario, have reported that rescue efforts were ongoing with more than 140 people already pulled from the rubble. Rescue crews confirmed approximately 300 people were in the nightclub at the time of collapse, aligning with the scale of this claim. Given that searches were active as of the article’s publication, reports of 100 individuals trapped are accurate in the context of early rescue efforts.
Verdict: Accurate
Claim #3: Notable public figures were among the victims or survivors of the collapse.
The article claims that Nelsy Cruz, a provincial governor and relative of MLB player Nelson Cruz, died in the collapse. It also mentions former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel was rescued and hospitalized. These personal details have been independently corroborated by statements released by their families and verified through major media outlets including ESPN and Listín Diario. Dominican President Luis Abinader also confirmed these fatalities and survivors in his public address following the incident.
Verdict: Accurate
Claim #4: Videos show the roof collapse occurring during a live music performance.
The article describes a video recorded from inside the nightclub that captures pendant lights falling moments before the roof gives way, accompanied by screams and crashing noises. DBUNK verified that such footage exists and has been circulated on social media and covered by news outlets like Noticias Telemicro, showing the matching timeline and chaos described. The performer involved, Rubby Pérez, was confirmed to have survived by his daughter in public statements.
Verdict: Accurate
Conclusion: What We Know and Don’t Know
The CNN article remains within acceptable journalistic standards, clearly noting the uncertainty regarding the cause of the collapse and focusing primarily on humanitarian efforts and identities of those affected. It does not allege wrongdoing by construction firms nor does it speculate about potential structural problems without evidence. However, user concerns about whether safety violations contributed to the tragedy are valid and reflect a desire for accountability. That said, a lack of current evidence prevents assigning responsibility at this stage. The article avoids sensationalism and presents facts as confirmed by authorities, showing no detectable bias or omitted context.
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Original Article: https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/08/americas/dominican-republic-nightclub-roof-collapse-intl/index.html
