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A devastating chapter in the Dominican Republic’s nightlife history continues to unfold as authorities arrest the owners of Jet Set, a famed nightclub in Santo Domingo where a roof collapse on April 8 claimed the lives of 236 people and injured over 180 more.
Antonio Espaillat and his sister Maribel, heirs to the beloved 50-year-old venue founded by their mother, were taken into custody on June 12. Prosecutors accuse them of gross negligence for failing to prevent the collapse, despite longstanding issues with roof leakage from air conditioning units. Authorities now have 48 hours to formally charge the siblings.
The incident occurred during a performance by legendary merengue artist Rubby Pérez, who was among those killed. Roughly 515 people were present for the show, including notable victims like former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, and Montecristi governor Nelsy Cruz, sister of baseball star Nelson Cruz.
Antonio, who previously pledged full cooperation with investigators, appeared in a televised interview last April expressing deep remorse: “I’m completely destroyed… I want to say I’m sorry. I’m very sorry.”
The Attorney General’s Office has since described Antonio as a powerful figure in the country’s entertainment industry, alleging he and his sister attempted to intimidate potential witnesses.
While the exact cause of the collapse remains under investigation, President Luis Abinader has offered his condolences, assuring families that emergency services responded swiftly and continue to support recovery efforts.
As the Dominican Republic grieves a national tragedy, the search for accountability begins.
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