Authorities have charged the owners of the Jet Set nightclub with involuntary manslaughter after the roof’s collapse resulted in a devastating toll of 235 deaths during a planned show in Santo Domingo.
Tragic Collapse at Dominican Republic Nightclub Leaves Justice to Be Decided
Tragic Collapse at Dominican Republic Nightclub Leaves Justice to Be Decided
Charges laid against nightclub owners following fatal roof collapse that claimed 235 lives, with potential sentences looming.
The Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo became a site of tragedy when its roof collapsed on April 8, leading to one of the deadliest night-time incidents in the Dominican Republic's history. The disaster occurred just minutes before a scheduled performance, which had attracted a crowd of 379 attendees. Gregorio Adames, the club's reservations manager, recognized the danger as roof panels began to fall earlier that day, prompting him to alert owner Antonio Espaillat via WhatsApp about the deteriorating structure.
Despite the warnings, and with chunks of the roof already falling, the show proceeded as planned. At 12:44 a.m., the ancient roof gave way, resulting in the death of 235 individuals and injuring nearly 200 more, including people from nine different countries, with five casualties from the United States. The grief was compounded by the revelation that over 130 children lost at least one parent, and 15 children lost both.
Consequently, Antonio Espaillat and his sister Maribel, who oversees club operations, now face charges of involuntary homicide. They are currently in custody awaiting a bond hearing, during which prosecutors are soliciting that Antonio be held without bail and Maribel placed under house arrest. This case underscores vital safety concerns surrounding public venues and the responsibilities of their operators in ensuring the well-being of patrons.
