The sibling owners of a nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, have been ordered to stand trial for involuntary manslaughter following a catastrophic roof collapse that killed 236 people. The tragedy occurred at the Jet Set nightclub on June 15, 2026, when the structure gave way during a crowded event, trapping hundreds beneath debris.
Prosecutors presented evidence alleging that the owners, who have not been named publicly, failed to maintain the building's structural integrity and ignored safety warnings. The court ruling, issued after a preliminary hearing, found sufficient grounds to proceed with a criminal trial.
The collapse has sparked widespread outrage in the Dominican Republic, with victims' families demanding justice and stricter enforcement of building codes. Investigators determined that the roof had been improperly reinforced and was unable to support the weight of the crowd and equipment.
The trial is expected to begin in the coming months, and if convicted, the owners face up to 20 years in prison. The case highlights ongoing concerns about construction safety and regulatory oversight in the Caribbean nation.