Latest news with #JenniferContreras
CBS News
a day ago
- CBS News
Owner of Dominican nightclub where 236 people died in roof collapse appears in court
A new criminal indictment claims the owners of the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic knew the building's roof was shoddy and refused to act. The collapse killed 236 people. Nearly 200 people were also injured. As the owners appeared in court for the first time Wednesday, one victim's sister told CBS News New York she doubts they will ever be held accountable. "Nothing's going to fill that void" Among those killed was 24-year-old Jennifer Contreras. "That was my best friend. We were really, really close," her sister Luz Contreras said. "Nothing's going to fill that void. I'm going to forever miss my sister." An aerial view of the Jet Set nightclub days after its roof collapsed, killing more than 200 people, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Friday, April 11, 2025. Matias Delacroix / AP The criminal indictment against the Espaillats says the roof collapse was the result of "complete disregard for building and safety laws." It goes on to say they operated the famous club with systematic and gross negligence which put hundreds of lives at risk. Antonio Espaillat entered the courtroom surrounded by armed officers. He was followed by his sister Maribel. Prosecutors blame the Espaillats, who owned and managed the nightclub, for April's collapse. Dozens of families showed up at court Wednesday, including the sister of merengue singer Rubby Perez, who was killed while performing the night of the collapse. Prosecutors say because of the country's outdated legal framework, involuntary homicide was the highest charge they could pursue. The attorney for the Espaillats calls the charge appropriate, saying the family had no ill intent. If convicted, the Espaillats face 3 months to 2 years in prison, and a small fine. "OK, two years and a fine? That's not fair, because you changed everybody's life. Hundreds of people's lives you changed. That's what you did," Luz Contreras said. "He'll probably get away with house arrest. You're living in the comfort of your own home. The comfort of my home has changed. My sister lived with us. Her room is empty now." The Espaillats also face at least 109 lawsuits filed on behalf of victims and their families.
Fox News
10-04-2025
- Business
- Fox News
New Jersey woman identified as one of 200 Dominican Republic nightclub collapse victims
A New Jersey woman has been identified as one of the 218 people who died in a Dominican Republic nightclub collapse late Tuesday. A translated press release from the island's government said authorities have confirmed 218 deceased victims and rescued 189 people alive from the collapse of Jet Set, an iconic club known for attracting celebrity guests in Santo Domingo. "These figures reflect both the magnitude of the tragedy and the tireless efforts of the response teams who, from the very beginning, have worked tirelessly and continue to do so in search, rescue and recovery efforts," the Dominican government said. On Wednesday, friends and family identified one of the 218 deceased victims as 26-year-old Jennifer Contreras of New Jersey. Her sister, Luz Contreras, told that she owns a nail salon called LuziBeauty in Passiac and that Jennifer had traveled to the Dominican Republic to obtain her eyebrow microblading certification so she could work with her sister in the salon. She was also celebrating her birthday. "[E]verybody who knows us knew she was my best friend, my partner in crime. We always did everything together," Luz told "She wanted me to go with her on this trip, but I couldn't cancel on my clients." A GoFundMe created in memory of Jennifer Contreras remembers the 26-year-old as a "kind-hearted, loving, and soft person." "She was an incredible daughter, sister, friend, cousin, and more," a description of the GoFundMe states. "Jennifer was in Santo Domingo to complete a certification class on eyebrow micropigmentation as she was starting a beauty business. She was there to celebrate her birthday and the birthday of family friends." Contreras' family is raising money to bring her body back to the United States for a funeral service. The entire roof of the Jet Set club collapsed Tuesday evening, and officials received more than 100 emergency calls in the aftermath, including many from people trapped under the rubble. Emergency rescue operations continued as of Thursday. Others among the deceased include MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, Dominican baseball player Tony Enrique Blanco Cabrera and merengue icon Rubby Pérez.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
Rubby Pérez among 124 killed in Dominican nightclub collapse; New Jersey woman still missing
The Brief At least 124 people were killed and more than 100 injured when the roof collapsed at Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo during a merengue concert headlined by Rubby Pérez, who also died in the collapse. Jennifer Contreras, a 24-year-old woman from Passaic, New Jersey, was apparently at the club and is still missing. The cause of the collapse remains unknown, and authorities are still in search-and-rescue mode, with investigations expected to begin once recovery efforts conclude. NEW YORK - A young woman from New Jersey and legendary merengue artist Rubby Pérez are among at least 124 people that were killed with more than another 100 injured following a roof collapse at an iconic nightclub in the Dominican Republic. What we know The collapse occurred during a packed Monday night merengue show at Jet Set, one of the Dominican Republic's most iconic nightclubs. Hundreds of people were inside when part of the ceiling began to crumble—just moments before the entire roof fell, burying many beneath the rubble. Among the confirmed victims are merengue star Rubby Pérez, former Mets and Yankees pitcher Octavio Dotel, and New York-based fashion designer Martín Polanco. The club's saxophonist and several prominent Dominican public figures also died in the collapse. RELATED: Octavio Dotel, former MLB World Series champion, dies after nightclub roof collapse Emergency responders from Puerto Rico and Israel are assisting local authorities with ongoing search and rescue operations. So far, 145 survivors have been pulled from the debris, according to officials. Authorities say they have rescued 145 survivors, and the search-and-rescue mission remains active. Rescue crews from Puerto Rico and Israel are now on-site assisting local authorities. Local perspective One of the missing victims is 24-year-old Jennifer Contreras from Passaic, New Jersey. Her family tells FOX 5 she had traveled to the Dominican Republic to teach a beauty class and was at Jet Set the night of the disaster. Her brother, Anthony, said her father and older sister flew to the island and have visited hospitals and morgues—but so far, no sign of Jennifer. Pérez had performed in New York City just days before his death. On Friday, he gave an impromptu performance at La Nueva España in Inwood during a local teen's birthday celebration. It would turn out to be his final show in the city. What they're saying Video posted to social media shows dust falling into drinks moments before the roof gave way. As people started to move, the ceiling collapsed entirely. "It all happened so fast," one survivor told local press. Borough residents of Inwood, where Rubby Pérez performed last week, have begun setting up a memorial outside the United Palace Theater, where he played last year. What we don't know Authorities have not yet determined why the roof collapsed. Firefighters are still removing large pieces of broken concrete and wood planks to reach potential survivors. The nightclub's owners say they are cooperating with the investigation but have not issued additional statements. It is unclear when the building was last inspected or whether any prior safety concerns had been raised. The Dominican Ministry of Public Works referred questions to the mayor's office, which has yet to comment. What's next Authorities say the immediate priority is to locate survivors. An in-depth investigation into the collapse is expected, though officials say it's too early to speculate about the cause. Rescue operations are ongoing, and family members of missing victims continue to search for answers. If you have information about loved ones possibly at Jet Set the night of the collapse, officials are urging the public to contact Dominican emergency services immediately. The Source This article was written using information from FOX 5 staff and crews, along with the Associated Press.
