Death Toll Approaches 250 in Dominican Republic Tragedy, Nightclub Braces for Legal Action
The Minister of Interior and Police announced on Monday that the death toll from the nightclub roof collapse in the capital of the Dominican Republic last week has risen to 231. Families of the victims have started filing lawsuits against the owners of the nightclub.
This year’s Holy Week in the Caribbean tourist destination will be different, with various events and activities canceled, and beach parties prohibited as per the Dominican Navy.
Local authorities have also decided to suspend the traditional Easter activities that usually take place in public squares and parks.
Relatives of Virgilio Rafael Cruz, one of the victims who passed away on April 8, have initiated legal action against the owners of the establishment, according to the family’s lawyer who spoke to local media. Other families have also expressed their intentions to file lawsuits.
The Jet Set nightclub is owned by Antonio Espaillat, the second-largest broadcaster in the Dominican Republic who also owns 50 radio stations.
Shortly after the incident, Espaillat stated in a video posted on Instagram, “From the very beginning, we have been cooperating fully and transparently with authorities.”
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According to local media and ticketing websites, the nightclub had a capacity of 700 to 1,000 people, although the exact number present during the incident is unknown.
Authorities have launched investigations to determine the reasons behind the collapse. The forensic inquiry is expected to take around three months before an official conclusion is reached, as stated by Leonardo Reyes, who oversees building structure vulnerabilities for the government.
By Paul Mathiasen
