In the wake of a catastrophic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the family of one victim has filed manslaughter charges against the venue’s ownership. The investigation into the incident, which resulted in at least 231 fatalities, has prompted other families to consider similar legal action.
Families of Victims from Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse Take Legal Action
Families of Victims from Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse Take Legal Action
The family of a police officer killed in a tragic nightclub roof collapse has initiated legal proceedings against the venue's owners as investigations continue.
In a grave turn of events following the devastating collapse of the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, the family of police lieutenant Virgilio Rafael Cruz Aponte has become the first to file legal charges against the establishment's owners. Last week, Cruz Aponte was among the 231 individuals who tragically lost their lives during a crowded merengue concert when the venue's roof gave way.
The family's attorney announced that they are filing manslaughter charges against the owners and managers of the Jet Set club, marking a significant step in seeking accountability for the disaster. Other affected families have echoed sentiments of pursuing similar legal recourse as the shock of this tragedy continues to reverberate through the community.
Antonio Espaillat, the nightclub’s owner, expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation into the incident's causes. Authorities have indicated that this investigation will take several months to complete.
Moreover, the Cruz Aponte family is alleging that the local government failed in its duty to ensure that the nightclub adhered to necessary safety protocols. On Monday, Interior Minister Faride Raful confirmed that the death count had risen to 231 after additional casualties succumbed to their injuries, and indicated that 189 people had been rescued from the debris.
The club, which was packed for an evening of dancing featuring renowned merengue artist Rubby Pérez, became a scene of chaos and sorrow when the roof collapsed unexpectedly during the performance. Both Pérez and one of his saxophonists tragically died, while Pérez’s daughter, Zulinka—part of his band—was fortunate to escape.
Among the victims were also two French nationals, a Haitian individual, and an Italian citizen, with reports of several American citizens also perishing in the disaster. The loss has not only impacted the Dominican Republic but also extends to larger Dominican communities abroad, particularly in New York City.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited Santo Domingo to pay his respects and expressed deep solidarity with the victims' families, emphasizing the kinship shared between the Dominican diaspora and their homeland. "They are not merely my residents; I've considered them my family," he stated, underscoring the importance of mourning together in times of tragedy.
