Dominican Republic Nightclub Collapse Death Toll Reaches 231 as Legal Actions Begin

Investigations into the causes of the Jet Set nightclub disaster continue, while lawsuits target the owners for alleged negligence.

The death toll from the April 8 roof collapse at Santo Domingo's Jet Set nightclub has risen to 231, with identification and recovery efforts completed.
Legal proceedings have commenced, with the first lawsuit filed against the nightclub's owners, Antonio Espaillat and Ana Grecia López, as well as local authorities, alleging negligence and seeking criminal charges.
Forensic investigations, involving national and international experts, are underway to determine the structural causes of the collapse, with results expected in approximately three months.
Prominent victims include merengue star Rubby Pérez, two former professional baseball players, and New Jersey residents Jennifer Contreras and Antonia Ignacio Douglas, highlighting the tragedy's far-reaching impact.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited the disaster site, paying tribute to the victims and expressing solidarity with the Dominican community, which has a significant presence in New York.