Antonio and Maribel Espaillat Indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter After Jet Set Nightclub Roof Collapse Kills 236, Nearly 200 Injured; Released on Bail

The owners of the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, have been indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter following the collapse of the club's roof in April 2025, which resulted in 236 deaths and nearly 200 injuries. Prosecutors accused the owners of negligence and irresponsibility, alleging they were aware of the building's structural deficiencies but failed to take action. Despite the severity of the charges, both owners were released on bail ahead of their trial, with Antonio Espaillat posting a bail amount of 50 million Dominican pesos. Separately, in South Africa, the Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson disclosed key findings regarding a building collapse in George, describing the incident as a catastrophe rather than an accident. He met with victims' families who continue to seek justice and assistance.