Tragic Collapse of Dominican Republic Nightclub: Owners Aware of Roof Issues

The owners of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo face involuntary manslaughter charges following a roof collapse that resulted in 235 deaths. Despite knowing about the building's structural vulnerabilities, they continued operations, leading to one of the deadliest incidents in the country's history.

The Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, witnessed a catastrophic roof collapse in April, claiming the lives of 235 individuals and injuring nearly 200 others. The tragedy unfolded just minutes before a major event as reservations manager Gregorio Adames raised alarms regarding the deteriorating condition of the roof. His repeated warnings, conveyed through a WhatsApp message to nightclub owner Antonio Espaillat, highlighted the urgency of the situation, yet no action was taken to cancel the show.

On the night of the collapse, while Espaillat was away, his sister Maribel, who also helped manage the club, stated she could not make significant decisions without his approval. The distressing incident occurred at 12:44 a.m., resulting in deaths that included victims from nine countries, with five being citizens of the United States. Tragically, the accident left 130 children orphaned, with 15 losing both parents.

In light of the negligence, prosecutors have charged the Espaillat siblings with involuntary homicide and are requesting that Antonio remain detained without bail, while Maribel is suggested for house arrest. The catastrophic event raises critical concerns regarding safety regulations and the accountability of venue operators in ensuring the welfare of patrons.