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Trial over Jet Set nightclub collapse draws attention in DR

Santo Domingo, Aug 29 (Prensa Latina) The trial of siblings Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, accused in connection with the roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub, was one of the most closely followed news stories this week in the Dominican Republic due to its significant impact.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office filed charges against both defendants before the Fourth Chamber of the Criminal Court of First Instance of the National District, accusing them of involuntary manslaughter and causing involuntary bodily injury.

During the hearing, Deputy Prosecutor Wilson Camacho, head of the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s General Directorate for Prosecution, argued that the roof collapse could not be considered a mere accident or an entirely unforeseeable event.

According to the indictment, the premise underwent modifications and repairs that were insufficient to ensure the structure’s safety.

Prosecutors further allege that the defendants ordered structural changes to boost profits, despite the increased risks involved.

The case file notes that the nightclub’s roof began being used for operational purposes in 2011 and bore an increasingly heavy load over time. The defendants are also accused of installing large-scale air conditioning equipment.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that, during the trial, it would show estructural troubles, modifications, overloading, and signs of deterioration that—according to the prosecution’s theory—were known to those responsible for the establishment’s operations.

Camacho defended the charges filed and expressed his expectation that the proceedings would result in a conviction.

Before the presentation of the charges began, Judge Franny Gonzalez denied a defense request to bring in an external technical consultant.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office had opposed the request, arguing that both the prosecution and the defense already had experts available to support their respective positions.

The collapse of the Jet Set roof occurred in the early hours of April 8, 2025, while the establishment—located on Avenida Independencia in the National District—was occupied. It left 236 people dead and more than 180 injured.

jdt/to/mpv

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