Santo Domingo.– Today Sunday February 8 10 months have passed since the collapse of the roof of the Jet Set nightclub, a tragedy that left 236 people died and more than 180 injuredand which continues to be marked by legal situations, now around the technical expertise of the buildinga key piece in the ongoing judicial process.
The collapse occurred on the night of April 8, 2025during one of the traditional “Monday Parties”, while the merengue player Rubby Perez encouraged the celebration. The artist died at the scene, becoming one of the victims of the incident that plunged the country into mourning.
Dispute over the expert opinion and opposition to demolition
Within the framework of the investigations, the lawyers of the brothers Antonio and Maribel Espaillatowners of the nightclub, filed a formal opposition to the demolition of what remains of the establishment, requesting not to proceed until the process is completed of official expertise.
The request was filed with the Attorney General’s Office (PGR), the entity that directs the investigations of the case, after the judge of the First Investigative Court of the National District, Raymundo Mejíadeclared inadmissible a request for a private expert opinion presented by the defense.
Through this opposition, lawyers seek preserve the remaining structure of the buildingdespite the fact that a technical report issued by the competent authorities, by order of the General Directorate of Prosecution of the Public Ministryrecommends the demolition of the rest of the property for security reasons.
Judicial process in progress
In November, the Public Ministry presented a formal accusation and a requirement toopening to trial against the Espaillat brothers, whom he accuses of manslaughter and involuntary blows and injuries, in accordance with articles 319 and 320 of the Dominican Penal Code.
According to the accusation, the defendants incurred gross negligence in the operation of the establishment, despite having direct knowledge of roof structural problemsevidenced through internal reports, photographs, videos and employee communications.
Research indicates that the structure was overloaded with the installation of six air conditioning systems of between 15 and 20 tons each, as well as water tanks, without there being technical studies that would certify the building’s capacity to support that additional weight.
The preliminary trial against the owners of the nightclub was scheduled to begin on January 12, but the hearing was postponed by Judge Raymundo Mejía to March 16 after accepting a motion presented by the lawyers for victims and plaintiffswho alleged that they were not notified of the accusation.
Currently, Antonio and Maribel Espaillat are complying with a coercive measure consisting of a financial guarantee of RD$50 million, periodic appearances before the court and prevention of leaving the country.
Through a statement, both expressed their regret for the “human pain” caused by the collapse of the nightclub, a tragedy that, as they recognized, has irreparably impacted numerous families and has deeply marked their own lives.
Former baseball players were also among the fatalities. Octavio Dotel and Tony Blancothe designer Martin Polancothe banking executive Alexandra Grullon and her husband Eduardo Guarionex Estrellaas well as the governor of Montecristi, Nelsy Cruzwho was the first to alert President Luis Abinader about what happened.
