The owner of the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic, where a catastrophic roof collapse resulted in the deaths of 236 people, has been arrested and charged with involuntary homicide, according to an announcement from the prosecutors' office. The incident occurred on April 8 during a live performance, prompting a desperate search-and-rescue operation and illuminating the dire state of building inspections across the nation.

The arrest of Antonio Espaillat, a noted businessman with ties to a radio station chain, stemmed from allegations that he ignored crucial warnings about the nightclub's structural integrity. An employee courageously reported to authorities that management had been advised to cancel the concert due to the perilous condition of the roof. Espaillat was taken in for questioning at the attorney general’s office in Santo Domingo on Thursday afternoon, leading to his detention alongside his sister, Maribel Espaillat, who assisted in managing the club.

Both siblings are now facing charges as prosecutors criticized them for severe negligence in failing to ensure adequate repairs for the Jet Set roof. The attorney general’s office remarked on their alleged attempts to influence or intimidate potential witnesses, hinting at broader implications regarding accountability in the aftermath of such a tragedy.