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The owners of the Dominican Republic nightclub that collapsed during a star-studded party knew the building was unstable and they threw the party anyway.
More than 200 people were buried alive when the roof caved in, killing famous athletes, musicians, and guests in what officials now say was a completely avoidable disaster.
According to the government, siblings Antonio and Maribel Espaillat overloaded the roof, made illegal structural changes, and ignored clear warnings hours before the event. One of those warnings? Chunks of debris falling from the ceiling.
They went ahead with the April 8 bash anyway.
They face multiple lawsuits, and authorities have seized their assets. Given the sheer number of victims, the case is expected to drag on for some time.