The death toll from a recent roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has reached nearly 250, prompting legal actions from victims’ families against the club’s owners. Relatives of one victim, Virgilio Rafael Cruz, announced they are initiating legal proceedings, with others indicating similar intentions.
The nightclub, owned by Antonio Espaillat, a prominent figure in Dominican media with 50 radio stations, reportedly had a capacity of between 700 and 1,000 people. However, the exact number of patrons present during the incident remains unconfirmed. Espaillat stated via Instagram that he has been cooperating fully with authorities since the tragedy occurred on April 8.
Ken N. Reyes, director of the government department responsible for building structure assessments, indicated that a forensic investigation to ascertain the cause of the collapse could take up to three months. Meanwhile, scenes of mourning unfolded outside the nightclub, where a memorial has been set up, featuring a Dominican flag and tributes to the victims.
In response to the disaster, various Holy Week events and public festivities throughout the Dominican Republic have been canceled, with the Navy also banning beach parties. Municipal authorities suspended traditional Easter activities that occur in parks and public squares, marking a somber weekend for the nation.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited the site of the collapse on April 14, paying respects to the victims as investigations continue. Security forces are currently overseeing the area as experts assess the structural integrity of the nightclub and surrounding infrastructure.
