A troubling detail has surfaced surrounding the tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic.
Death certificates provided to the families of the victims revealed an unexpected omission—the name of the nightclub was left off several certificates.
This oversight has raised questions about the legal implications for the victims’ families as they consider potential lawsuits.
Omission on Official Documents
The Ministry of Health, which is responsible for issuing death certificates, left line 16 blank on two documents where the name “Jet Set” should have been listed.
In one of these documents, reviewed by Noticias SIN, the address of the nightclub was included on line 17, but there was no mention of the club’s name itself.
This omission was found on the certificate of a 61-year-old married man, whose tragic death was attributed to severe spinal cord injuries and blunt craniocervical trauma.
While the certificate provided personal details, such as the victim’s name, birth date, and time of death, it did not list the nightclub as the location of the fatal incident.
Legal Concerns for Victims’ Families
The exclusion of Jet Set’s name raises concerns about the legal consequences for the families of the victims.
If they decide to pursue civil or criminal lawsuits against the nightclub’s owners, the absence of the club’s name on the death certificates could potentially complicate their legal battles.
The uncertainty surrounding this omission adds another layer of complexity to an already painful situation.
Devastating Roof Collapse
The incident occurred on April 8, during a live performance by merengue legend Rubby Pérez.
While Pérez was performing alongside his daughter, Zulinka Pérez, and her husband, a portion of the ceiling suddenly collapsed, claiming the lives of at least 231 individuals and injuring over 200 more.
Disturbing video footage from the scene shows attendees looking up at a tile hanging precariously from the ceiling moments before the disaster struck.
High-Profile Victims
Among the victims were notable figures, including merengue star Rubby Pérez, former MLB World Series champion Octavio Dotel, and Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the northwestern province of Monte Cristi, who was also the sister of former MLB star Nelson Cruz.
Their untimely deaths have made the incident even more tragic, as the country mourns the loss of these influential figures.
Government’s Position on Legal Proceedings
During a press conference, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader addressed the situation, emphasizing that his government would not interfere in the ongoing legal process.
He assured the public that justice would be served without any governmental influence.
Abinader, whose own cousin was among the victims, reiterated his administration’s commitment to respecting the rule of law and maintaining transparency throughout the investigation.
Jet Set’s History and Recent Challenges
Jet Set, which opened in 1973 as a theater, later became known as a popular nightclub and a hub for merengue music.
Over the years, it has hosted numerous well-known artists, solidifying its reputation as an iconic venue.
In 2015, the club underwent a significant remodeling, adding a second-floor VIP area.
However, the nightclub faced challenges in recent years, including a temporary closure due to a fire in July 2023 caused by lightning striking its electricity room.
Ongoing Investigation
In the aftermath of the collapse, Jet Set has stated that it is fully cooperating with the authorities as the investigation continues.
Antonio Espaillat, one of the nightclub’s owners, addressed the incident through a video statement, assuring the public that the management is working closely with law enforcement to uncover the full details of the tragedy.
With so many questions still unanswered, the Dominican Republic waits to see what comes next in both the legal proceedings and the investigation into the nightclub’s safety standards.