Death toll in Dominican Republic disaster rises to 231, nightclub faces lawsuits

The death toll at last week’s nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic, rose to 231, the Minister of Interior and Police said on April 14, as families of victims began filing lawsuits against the facility’s owners.

Holy Week will be different in 2025 in the Caribbean tourist destination, with multiple activities cancelled and beach parties banned, according to the Dominican Navy.

Municipal authorities have suspended the traditional Easter activities that take place in public squares and parks.

Relatives of one victim, who died on April 8, have begun a legal action against the establishment’s owners, the family’s lawyer told local media on April 14. Other families have indicated they will do the same.

Jet Set nightclub is owned by Mr Antonio Espaillat, the second-largest broadcaster in the Dominican Republic and owner of 50 radio stations.

“From the very beginning, we have been collaborating fully and transparently with authorities,” he said in a video posted on Instagram shortly after the incident.

Local media and ticketing sites indicate the club could accommodate between 700 and 1,000 people, though there is no official confirmation on how many were present at the time of the disaster.

Authorities have begun investigations to determine the causes of the collapse. The forensic investigation will take about three months to reach an official conclusion, according to Mr Leonardo Reyes, who heads a government department that oversees building structure vulnerabilities. REUTERS