Dominican Republic nightclub tragedy goes viral as owner and sister arrested after roof collapse kills 236
In a dramatic development two months after one of the deadliest nightclub disasters in Caribbean history, Dominican Republic authorities have arrested nightclub owner Antonio Espaillat and his sister Maribel Espaillat. The arrests come in connection with the roof collapse at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, which killed 236 people and injured over 180 more on April 8.
🚨 Dominican Republic Nightclub Roof Collapse (Apr 8)Tragedy at Jet Set nightclub, Santo Domingo—roof collapsed at 12:44 am during Rubby Pérez's live merengue show98+ dead & 160+ injuredAmong victims: singer Pérez, ex-MLB players, & a provincial governor#DominicanRepublic pic.twitter.com/YSMZLw4byu
Arrest follows national tragedy
According to a statement from the Attorney General's Office, the siblings demonstrated 'immense irresponsibility and negligence' by failing to take preventive action, despite longstanding issues with the building's structure. Prosecutors now have 48 hours to formally present charges.
At 12:34 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025 the roof of the Jet Set Nightclub, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic collapsed.At least 113 people were killed and another 155 injured including Nelsy Cruz, governor of the Monte Cristi province and former MLB players, Octavio Dotel and Tony… https://t.co/ZuQvb6ylG3 pic.twitter.com/CnxMxU7s9T
A night of celebration turns into horror
The tragedy unfolded during a packed performance by legendary merengue singer Rubby Pérez. Over 500 people had gathered to celebrate the club's 50th anniversary, a legacy venue passed down to the Espaillats from their mother. Among the dead were prominent figures, including Pérez himself, former MLB stars Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, and Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi and sister of baseball icon Nelson Cruz.
What was supposed to be a night of music and celebration quickly turned into an unspeakable catastrophe. The cause of the structural failure remains under investigation.
Tragedy in Dominican Republic: Nightclub Roof Collapse During Concert Kills 44, Including Province Governor. pic.twitter.com/d4rr8sBfGW
Longstanding warning signs
While Antonio Espaillat claimed during a local television interview that 'there was no warning' the roof was compromised, he also admitted the venue had experienced routine water leakage from its air conditioning system for years. These filtration issues, prosecutors suggest, may have signalled the potential danger long before the collapse.
🎙 #EstaNocheMariasela | Caso Jet Set'Gregory advirtió… y no fue escuchado.'Así lo afirma el abogado Plinio Pina, representante de Gregory Adames, quien asegura que su cliente advirtió en múltiples ocasiones a Antonio Espaillat sobre el peligro que representaba el techo. pic.twitter.com/J697SLNG3I
During the same interview, Antonio stated he would cooperate fully and remain in the country to face any consequences. He expressed deep remorse, saying he felt 'completely destroyed' and that there were no words to convey the pain caused by the incident.
Allegations of witness intimidation
Authorities have also accused the Espaillats—described as influential figures in the Dominican Republic's entertainment and media industry—of attempting to manipulate or intimidate potential witnesses. The pair reportedly own several elite venues and dozens of radio stations across the country.
President Luis Abinader addressed the nation on social media shortly after the tragedy, expressing heartfelt condolences and assuring citizens that rescue and relief efforts were being carried out with urgency.
As the case unfolds, the country watches closely, demanding justice for the 236 lives lost in what is now considered one of the deadliest entertainment venue disasters in the region.
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