In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the owner of a renowned nightclub, where a tragic roof collapse occurred in April leading to the deaths of 236 people, was detained on Thursday alongside his sister. Authorities have a two-day window to level any formal charges against Antonio Espaillat and his sister, Maribel, following their arrest.
According to a statement from the Dominican Republic’s Attorney General’s Office, the siblings demonstrated gross irresponsibility and negligence, failing to act to prevent the roof from collapsing, which resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries to over 180 individuals. Prosecutors are considering whether the Espaillats attempted to intimidate or manipulate company employees who might testify as witnesses. Antonio Espaillat is recognized as a prominent businessman in the country, controlling upscale entertainment venues and a wide array of radio stations.
Their attorney, Miguel Valerio, informed the media that he anticipates reviewing the prosecutors’ evidence shortly, asserting, “This is an involuntary homicide,” and emphasizing that no one intended for the event to end in disaster. The detentions followed an extensive interrogation session.
Altanto TV, a local news outlet, broadcasted an interview with Gregory Adamés, identified as a former employee of Jet Set nightclub. The network claims he provided prosecutors with videos and recorded conversations warning Antonio Espaillat against hosting the April 7 event due to concerns over the structural integrity of the roof.
Adamés expressed his fears over his safety in a video shared on Instagram, stating he’d hold the Espaillat family accountable if any harm befell him, noting, “If something happens to me, it’s clear where it came from.” He stressed that his intention was solely to reveal the truth.
The collapse is still under investigation by a government-assigned committee including international experts, attempting to ascertain the definitive cause. Rescue teams worked tirelessly for 53 hours, managing to save 189 people from the rubble in Santo Domingo shortly past midnight on April 8.
Among the deceased were notable figures such as beloved singer Rubby Pérez, who was on stage during the collapse, the governor of Montecristi province, Nelsy Cruz—who is also the sister of MLB star Nelson Cruz, former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, and Dominican baseball player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera.
The tragedy also claimed the lives of a retired UN official, New York-based fashion designer Martín Polanco, an Army captain and several key employees of Grupo Popular, a financial corporation, including the president of AFP Popular Bank along with his spouse.
In light of the incident, the families of various survivors have initiated lawsuits against Antonio Espaillat. The nightclub, known for its popular Monday night merengue dances, had been a cultural staple for nearly 50 years, drawing in celebrities and high-profile Dominican figures.