The owners of the Dominican Republic’s Jet Set nightclub, where 236 people tragically lost their lives in a roof collapse, have been granted bail as they await trial on manslaughter charges.

Antonio Espaillat and his sister Maribel Espaillat were released early Thursday after a court approved bail set at 50 million pesos (approximately $842,500 USD) each. The siblings, both facing accusations of severe negligence, are barred from leaving the country and must report to authorities regularly, according to their legal team.

The catastrophic incident took place on April 8 during a packed concert featuring merengue legend Rubby Pérez, who was among those killed. The collapse also claimed the lives of two retired Major League Baseball players and a provincial governor, marking one of the worst peacetime disasters in the Caribbean nation’s history.

Authorities allege that the Espaillats, who also own a restaurant and a media conglomerate, failed to repair a long-known leak in the nightclub's roof, despite warnings. Prosecutors described the siblings’ conduct as “immensely irresponsible and negligent,” accusing them of ignoring basic safety obligations.

Antonio Espaillat, 59, acknowledged post-tragedy that the Jet Set’s roof had been leaking for years but claimed the structure had never been inspected by government officials. The Dominican Republic currently lacks laws mandating safety inspections for private venues—something President Luis Abinader has now pledged to reform.

Defense lawyer Miguel Valerio stated the siblings will fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. “If the truth eventually determines that we bear criminal responsibility, then we will accept it,” he said after the court hearing.

However, the decision to grant bail has drawn sharp criticism from prosecutors. Wilson Camacho, who is leading the case, called the ruling a “mockery of the victims.”

The Espaillats are also facing multiple lawsuits from bereaved families, while the charge of involuntary manslaughter—if proven—carries a potential sentence of three months to two years in prison.