The catastrophic collapse of the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, which resulted in the tragic death of 236 people earlier this year, has been attributed to the blatant disregard of safety laws and warning signs by the club owners, according to a recent government report. Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, the sibling owners of the club, were arrested last week following the incident. The report alleges that the Espaillats overloaded the building’s roof, made unauthorized structural changes, and ignored clear signs of danger on the night of the disaster.
The report, as per Dominican Today, states that Maribel Espaillat was aware of falling debris hours before the collapse but refused to suspend the event, citing the absence of her brother Antonio and the financial implications of halting the party. The report further accuses the Espaillats of prioritizing economic gain over the safety and lives of the club’s patrons.
The Jet Set nightclub, originally a movie theater, had undergone structural changes that were deemed inadequate by investigators. A crucial column in the structure was removed, significantly affecting the roof’s stability, without any professional assessment or permit to support the modification. This high-risk behavior was a significant factor in the collapse, which left 236 dead and 180 injured, causing shockwaves throughout the Dominican Republic.
The disaster occurred during a celebration at the once-popular venue. Among the victims were popular performer Rubby Perez, former MLB relief pitcher Octavio Dotel, Dominican ballplayer Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera, and Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz. Other victims included a retired UN official, New York-based fashion designer Martín Polanco, an Army captain, and three employees of Grupo Popular, a financial services company.
The Jet Set nightclub, which had been in operation for nearly five decades, was renowned for its Monday night merengue parties that attracted international celebrities and high-profile Dominicans. However, the investigation into the tragedy has been hindered by the sheer number of victims, according to the Spanish-language Dominican outlet Listin Diario.