Tragedy in the Dominican Republic: They ask for a condemnation for homicide against owners of the Jet Set disco

The relatives of one of those killed in the collapse of the roof of a disco in the Dominican Republic, in which 231 people died, filed a lawsuit against the owners of the establishment and the State for the breach of their supervision duties.

By Telemundo

The complaint – integrated on Monday by the widow and the father of Virgil, Rafael Cruz Aponte – seeks a criminal conviction for involuntary homicide against the owners and compensation, whose amount has not been fixed.

The defendants are the owners of the Jet Set disco, the Dominican State and the Mayor’s Office of the National District.

When asked about the issue, President Luis Abinader admitted that there is a legal vacuum «that several engineers and communicators have mentioned about the mandatory supervision of private works, which at the time there is not.» He added that a bill will be presented that regulates these types of establishments, but did not offer more details.

The president spoke during a meeting with 565 rescuers who will be awarded for having worked tirelessly from the early hours of Tuesday, April 8 during the search and rescue of survivors after the tragedy that occurred in Jet Set.

The recognition will be granted to doctors, members of the civil defense, firefighters, military, police, volunteers and support personnel.

Rescue teams saved 189 people from the debris and 12 are still hospitalized. Three of them are in critical condition, according to health officials.

It is not clear so far what caused the ceiling collapse.

More than 400 people were in the nightclub for a meringue concert by singer Rubby Pérez, who also died.