Family Presses Charges Over Dominican Republic Nightclub Tragedy

The family of a police lieutenant who perished in the collapse has taken legal action against the venue's owners, paving the way for more lawsuits as the investigation unfolds.

The family of Virgilio Rafael Cruz Aponte, a police lieutenant among the 231 victims of the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic, has initiated legal action against the venue's owners and managers. This tragic incident, which occurred during a merengue concert, has prompted the family to file manslaughter charges, leading other devastated relatives to consider similar lawsuits. Antonio Espaillat, the owner of Jet Set, expressed his commitment to cooperating with the ongoing investigation, which officials anticipate will continue for several months.

In a grim update, the Interior Ministry disclosed that the death toll had risen by five after additional victims succumbed to their injuries. Among the survivors, 189 people were rescued from the wreckage, a harrowing scene witnessed by concert-goers packed inside the venue for a night of dancing to Rubby Pérez’s live performance. Sadly, both Pérez and a saxophonist from his band were killed, while Pérez's daughter, Zulinka, managed to escape.

The tragedy resonated beyond national borders, impacting Dominican communities worldwide, including New York City. Mayor Eric Adams visited Santo Domingo to show solidarity with the victims' families, highlighting the deep ties between the city’s Dominican residents and their homeland. “They are not merely my residents, I’ve considered them my family,” he stated, emphasizing the collective grief felt during this difficult time.

As the investigation into safety compliance and responsible parties continues, the search for justice has only just begun. The Cruz Aponte family has also called out local government officials for their failures in ensuring adequate safety measures were maintained at the nightclub, adding another dimension to this unfolding tragedy.