In a heartbreaking aftermath of the rooftop collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, the family of police lieutenant Virgilio Rafael Cruz Aponte has become the first to file charges against the club's ownership. The tragedy unfolded during a crowded merengue concert, resulting in a devastating toll of 231 lives lost. As families begin to seek accountability, Cruz Aponte’s family has pursued manslaughter charges against the club's owner and managers, underscoring a growing wave of legal actions from other victims’ families who plan to file their own lawsuits.
Antonio Espaillat, the owner of Jet Set, has issued a video statement asserting his full cooperation with the ongoing investigation into the causes of the collapse, which officials estimate will take several months to conclude. Additionally, Cruz Aponte's family has criticized local government officials, alleging negligence in enforcing vital safety regulations that should have been adhered to by the nightclub.
As the tragic death toll rises, reports indicate that five more individuals succumbed to injuries incurred during the event. Interior Minister Faride Raful confirmed that 189 survivors have been rescued from the rubble, with the venue packed on the evening of the collapse, hosting a performance by renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez. Tragically, Pérez and a saxophonist from his band were among those who lost their lives, while Pérez’s daughter, who was a backing singer, miraculously escaped.
The ramifications of this disaster have reached far beyond the Dominican Republic, affecting local and international communities, particularly in cities like New York where a significant Dominican population resides. During a visit to the cleanup site, New York Mayor Eric Adams expressed his condolences, stating that the Dominican community is more than just residents; they are family who must mourn together in times of such profound loss.
