In a developing story from the Dominican Republic, the family of Virgilio Rafael Cruz Aponte, who tragically lost his life in the collapse of the Jet Set music venue, has become the first to file legal charges following the disaster. Cruz Aponte, a police lieutenant, was among the 231 individuals confirmed dead when the club's roof caved in during a crowded merengue concert featuring popular artist Rubby Pérez.
A lawyer for the grieving family has filed manslaughter charges against both the club's owner, Antonio Espaillat, and its management team, accusing them of negligence. Following the incident, which left hundreds injured and caused panic among concertgoers, additional families have stated their plans to pursue lawsuits. Espaillat has publicly pledged to cooperate with an ongoing investigation that authorities say could take months.
As a testament to the tragedy's severity, the number of deceased has risen, with the interior ministry announcing that five more individuals succumbed to their injuries recently. Of the 189 survivors rescued from the wreckage, numerous were severely injured, and the community is left mourning the loss of prominent figures, including Pérez and one of his saxophonists who perished in the collapse.
Among the deceased are various international nationals, highlighting the tragedy's international implications. The U.S. State Department indicated that "several" American citizens also lost their lives. This calamity has further resonated within Dominican expatriate communities worldwide, particularly in cities like New York.
In an act of solidarity, New York Mayor Eric Adams visited the disaster site in Santo Domingo, expressing his connection to the grieving families. "They are not merely my residents, I've considered them my family," said Adams, emphasizing the shared grief and support between Dominican communities abroad and at home.
