Two months after a devastating roof collapse at Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, owner Antonio Espaillat was arrested alongside his sister, facing charges of involuntary homicide for negligence and intimidation of witnesses.
Arrest Made in Tragic Dominican Nightclub Roof Collapse
Arrest Made in Tragic Dominican Nightclub Roof Collapse
Owner of Jet Set nightclub charged with involuntary homicide following incident that killed 236 people.
In a significant development following the tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, which claimed 236 lives, Antonio Espaillat, the club's owner, was arrested on Thursday. Authorities announced he and his sister, Maribel Espaillat, face involuntary homicide charges due to their alleged negligence regarding the roof's safety.
The catastrophic incident occurred during a live event on April 8, prompting extensive rescue operations and igniting public outcry over the enforcement of building safety regulations in the country. Recent revelations have surfaced that an employee of Jet Set warned the owners about the urgent need to cancel the concert due to the precarious state of the roof.
Antonio Espaillat appeared before the attorney general's office in Santo Domingo for questioning before being detained, with claims from his legal representation confirming the arrest. The attorney general's office stated that both siblings showed "immense irresponsibility" by neglecting essential repairs to the structure. Furthermore, they allegedly attempted to manipulate and intimidate club employees who could provide evidence related to the case.
The incident has shone a spotlight on broader issues concerning building inspections and safety measures in the Dominican Republic, raising concerns among citizens about the overall accountability of business owners. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public is closely monitoring the situation, demanding justice for the victims and their families.
