The parents and wife of police lieutenant Virgilio Rafael Cruz Aponte, one of the 231 victims of the nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic, have filed charges against the venue's owners, while the investigation continues to determine the cause of this tragic event.
Legal Action Initiated Against Owners of Dominican Republic Nightclub After Tragic Collapse
Legal Action Initiated Against Owners of Dominican Republic Nightclub After Tragic Collapse
The family of a victim from the Jet Set nightclub collapse has filed manslaughter charges, marking the start of legal proceedings in the aftermath of the disaster.
The family of Virgilio Rafael Cruz Aponte, who died in the recent catastrophic collapse of the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, has officially pressed charges against the establishment's owners and managers. Aponte was one of 231 individuals who perished when the roof fell during a crowded merengue concert. A lawyer representing Cruz Aponte’s family has filed manslaughter charges, joining an increasing chorus of affected families announcing their intentions to litigate against the nightclub.
Antonio Espaillat, the owner of Jet Set, has publicly stated his willingness to fully cooperate with ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering the reasons behind the building's structural failure. These inquiries could span several months, as authorities seek to piece together the circumstances leading to the disaster.
In addition to holding the club’s owners accountable, Cruz Aponte’s family has pointed fingers at local governing bodies, accusing them of failing to enforce safety regulations that could have prevented such tragedies. As the toll of the incident grew, officials confirmed that 231 fatalities have occurred, with five additional deaths announced on Monday.
Interior Minister Faride Raful revealed that 189 survivors were rescued from the rubble. The incident specifically highlighted the profound chaos experienced during the collapse, particularly noted by witnesses present at the concert that featured celebrated merengue performer Rubby Pérez. Sadly, both Pérez and a saxophonist from his band were among those killed, leaving their loved ones to mourn.
The incident's repercussions have rippled beyond the Caribbean nation, significantly affecting Dominican communities worldwide, particularly in New York City. Mayor Eric Adams visited the site of the tragedy, extending his condolences and expressing solidarity with families impacted by the loss. He emphasized the communal bond shared between New York Dominican residents and their homeland during such poignant moments of grief.
