Nightclub Owner Breaks Silence on ‘Devastating’ Roof Collapse Disaster in Dominican Republic as Death Toll Rises to 218

• Antonio Espaillat, owner of Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic has spoken out about the “devastating” roof collapse that left at least 218 people dead
• “There are no words to express the pain this event has caused,” Espaillat said in an Instagram video, in Spanish
• The official statement from the club revealed that Espaillat had been “abroad” but returned to respond to the “unexpected and painful tragedy”

The owner of Jet Set nightclub spoke out about the “devastating” tragedy that left at least 218 dead after the club’s roof collapsed on Tuesday, April 8.

Antonio Espaillat, the owner of the popular club in the Dominican Republic’s capital city Santo Domingo, issued a statement on Instagram addressing the incident shortly afterward.

“There are no words to express the pain this event has caused. What happened has been devastating for everyone. We want you to know that we are with you and that we share your anguish,” he said, per a translation from the original Spanish.

He continued, “From the very beginning, we have been collaborating fully and transparently with the authorities. We remain in constant communication with the Emergency Operations Center (COE), while search and rescue efforts continue with emergency teams, volunteers, and staff from more than 22 institutions.”

“To you, mothers, fathers, siblings, children, and loved ones of those affected: you can count on us,” he said, promising that the team will “stand by you.”

Espaillat vowed, “Everything we do now, every decision, every step, has one purpose: to live up to your pain and be with you.”

The owner thanked emergency responders who have assisted with the aftermath of the collapse. He also recognized how the media has responded to “this very delicate situation.”

“Today, more than ever, we are a family. Thank you,” he concluded.

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The official statement from the club revealed that Espaillat had been “abroad” but returned to respond to the “unexpected and painful tragedy.” It also noted “his willingness to collaborate with authorities in the rescue and investigation efforts.”

His comments came as emergency responders announced that they were no longer searching for survivors amid the ruins of the club, according to reporting by The Guardian. They announced that they would shift their focus to recovering bodies after exhausting “all reasonable possibilities of finding more survivors.”

The accident has left a death toll of at least 218, local authorities said in an update on the morning of Thursday, April 10. At least 155 survivors were receiving treatment in hospitals, NBC News reported late in the evening on Wednesday, April 9.

Among the dead are several public figures, including merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who was performing onstage at the time of the accident. Former MLB players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco and politician Nelsy Cruz also perished.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded to the tragedy on X, confirming that a United States citizen and “U.S. Legal Permanent Residents” were among the dead.