**Tragedy Strikes as Jet Set Nightclub Roof Collapse Claims Lives: Owner Breaks Silence**

In a devastating turn of events, the iconic Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 27 individuals and leaving over 160 injured. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this calamity, owner Antonio Espayat has finally broken his silence, providing a written statement to the public prosecutor after days of mounting scrutiny and speculation regarding his potential culpability.

Witnesses recount a horrifying scene: moments before the midnight disaster, small particles began to fall from the ceiling, and within seconds, the roof caved in during a performance by famed merengue artist Rubby Pérez. The joyous atmosphere quickly devolved into chaos, with screams echoing as concert-goers struggled to escape the rubble. Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as resembling a war zone, with emergency responders inundated by the scale of the catastrophe.

Public outcry has surged, with many questioning whether prior warnings about the venue’s structural integrity were ignored. Reports of visible cracks and leaks had circulated in the weeks leading up to the tragedy, raising alarms that now seem tragically prescient. As investigations unfold, a government commission, comprising both national and international experts, has been established to probe the causes of the collapse.

In a letter to the authorities, Espayat expressed his sorrow and commitment to cooperate fully with the investigation. However, his delayed response has drawn criticism from grieving families, who demand accountability and answers. “What happened that night has been the most painful experience of my life,” he stated, while also asserting that he has lost much in this tragedy, including his legacy.

As the legal ramifications begin to surface, the family of a deceased police officer has filed a lawsuit against Espayat and his mother, further complicating an already intricate situation. The nation mourns, and as the investigation deepens, questions linger: Was this a preventable disaster, or a tragic series of events shaped by neglect? The public demands clarity, and the pressure on Espayat intensifies as the story continues to unfold.