Victims' families are taking legal action against nightclub owners after the tragic collapse that resulted in 231 casualties during a crowded concert.
**Tragic Nightclub Collapse in Dominican Republic: Legal Action Begins**
**Tragic Nightclub Collapse in Dominican Republic: Legal Action Begins**
Families of victims initiate legal proceedings against Jet Set club owners following deadly roof collapse.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the family of police lieutenant Virgilio Rafael Cruz Aponte, one of the 231 victims of last week's tragic nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic, has become the first to file criminal charges against the owners and managers of the Jet Set music venue. This devastating incident occurred during a popular merengue music concert, where many were gathered for a night of celebration that ended in chaos.
The Cruz Aponte family has filed manslaughter charges against Jet Set's owner, Antonio Espaillat, and its management, with additional families expressing their intention to pursue legal action. Espaillat has publicly indicated his cooperation with ongoing investigations into the circumstances that led to the disaster. A legal representative for Cruz Aponte's family revealed that they also plan to hold the local government accountable for alleged negligence in enforcing safety regulations for the club.
As the investigation unfolds, the toll of the tragedy has deepened, with Interior Minister Faride Raful reporting that the death toll has now risen to 231 after additional victims succumbed to their injuries. In this devastating collapse, 189 individuals were rescued from the rubble, while the concert featured well-known merengue artist Rubby Pérez, who tragically lost his life along with a member of his band. However, Pérez's daughter, who performed alongside him, managed to escape safely from the disaster.
The loss extends beyond the Dominican Republic, resonating with Dominican communities worldwide, especially in New York City. Mayor Eric Adams traveled to Santo Domingo to pay his respects at the disaster site, expressing solidarity with the grieving community. "They are not merely my residents; I've considered them my family. And what do family members do during times of mourning? They mourn with you," he said, emphasizing the impact of this tragedy across borders.
The Cruz Aponte family has filed manslaughter charges against Jet Set's owner, Antonio Espaillat, and its management, with additional families expressing their intention to pursue legal action. Espaillat has publicly indicated his cooperation with ongoing investigations into the circumstances that led to the disaster. A legal representative for Cruz Aponte's family revealed that they also plan to hold the local government accountable for alleged negligence in enforcing safety regulations for the club.
As the investigation unfolds, the toll of the tragedy has deepened, with Interior Minister Faride Raful reporting that the death toll has now risen to 231 after additional victims succumbed to their injuries. In this devastating collapse, 189 individuals were rescued from the rubble, while the concert featured well-known merengue artist Rubby Pérez, who tragically lost his life along with a member of his band. However, Pérez's daughter, who performed alongside him, managed to escape safely from the disaster.
The loss extends beyond the Dominican Republic, resonating with Dominican communities worldwide, especially in New York City. Mayor Eric Adams traveled to Santo Domingo to pay his respects at the disaster site, expressing solidarity with the grieving community. "They are not merely my residents; I've considered them my family. And what do family members do during times of mourning? They mourn with you," he said, emphasizing the impact of this tragedy across borders.
