Owners Ignored Warnings Before Fatal Roof Collapse that Killed 236

• Authorities in the Dominican Republic have arrested the owners of Jet Set nightclub after a government report showed they ignored structural risks that led to a devastating roof collapse that killed 236 people
• Investigators alleged that the nightclub’s proprietors knowingly overloaded the roof and disregarded warnings, prioritising profits over safety
• Survivors and families of the victims have demanded justice as legal proceedings unfold against the accused owners

A newly released government report has disclosed that the owners of Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic ignored multiple warning signs before its roof collapsed, killing 236 attendees and injuring 150 others.

The tragedy, which occurred during a crowded event, has led to the arrests of Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, the sibling proprietors of the venue.

Dominican Republic nightclub tragedy: Investigators blame negligence

According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Espaillats conducted structural modifications without proper authorisation, significantly compromising the building's integrity.

The report alleged that they failed to secure necessary permits and made technical alterations that dangerously overloaded the roof, including the installation of six air conditioning units weighing up to 20 tons each, along with technical booths and water tanks.

Prosecutors claimed the duo exhibited a pattern of irresponsibility, disregarding clear danger warnings and mismanaging necessary repairs.

One key structural column was reportedly removed without a professional assessment, further weakening the nightclub’s stability.

Dominican Republic nightclub: Warnings ignored before collapse

The investigation found that Maribel Espaillat knew of falling debris hours before the disaster, yet refused to cancel the event.

The report states:

"She cited the absence of Antonio… and the impossibility of stopping the party, prioritising economic gain over the safety and lives of people."

Prosecutors have described the tragedy as one that "would have been entirely avoidable if the defendants had acted according to the law and valued life over money."

Dominican Republic nightclub collapse and charges

Antonio and Maribel Espaillat were arrested last week following the report’s publication. Authorities have requested preventive detention for Antonio and house arrest for Maribel.

Prosecutors have also accused them of intimidating employees who could serve as witnesses in the case.

Antonio Espaillat, a well-known businessman with holdings in multiple entertainment venues and radio stations, now faces lawsuits filed by survivors’ relatives, seeking justice for the victims.

Dominican Republic nightclub collapse and fatalities

The collapse claimed the lives of several prominent figures, including singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing at the time, and Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province. Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel succumbed to his injuries after being pulled from the debris, while Dominican baseball player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera also perished.

Other victims included a retired U.N. official, fashion designer Martín Polanco, and financial executives from Grupo Popular.

Emergency crews worked tirelessly for 53 consecutive hours, sifting through rubble to rescue survivors. A total of 189 people were saved from the wreckage before investigators preserved the debris for further analysis.

Dominican Republic nightclub's tragic end

Jet Set nightclub had been a Dominican landmark for nearly five decades, hosting iconic merengue parties that attracted international celebrities. Now, as legal proceedings unfold, the nation mourns the avoidable disaster that ended the venue’s storied legacy.

Miguel Valerio, the Espaillats' attorney, has maintained their innocence, stating: "This is an involuntary homicide. Nobody wanted that to happen."

Authorities continue to pursue justice as investigations deepen into the actions that led to one of the Dominican Republic’s deadliest nightclub tragedies.

Many killed as nightclub's roof collapses

Legit.ng earlier reported that the roof of the renowned Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, collapsed on April 8 during a merengue concert, leaving at least 98 people dead and 160 injured.

Attended by prominent figures, including politicians and athletes, the event turned into chaos when the roof caved in around midnight.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng