Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The owner of a prestigious nightclub in the Republic of Dominican, who collapsed in April and killed 236 people, was arrested on Thursday along with his sister.

Antonio Espilat and Maribel Espilat have not been accused in the case, although the authorities have 48 hours to submit any allegations before a judge.

The Dominican Republic’s Attorney General’s office said in a statement, “The two defendants demonstrated immense irresponsibility and negligence from failing to intervene physically to prevent the club’s roof from collapsing, as eventually performed 236 deaths and more than 180 injuries.”

The prosecutors accused the aspilations of trying to intimidate or manipulate the company’s employees, saying that they could act as a witness in the case. Antonio Espilat is considered a powerful businessman in the Dominican Republic; He owns the Upskale Entertainment Center and dozens of local radio stations.

Espilat’s lawyer Miguel Velerio told reporters that they expect access to evidence of prosecutors in the coming days.

“This is an involuntary murder,” he said. “Nobody wanted this.”

Espilats were arrested after several hours of questioning.

A local digital news channel Ultanto TV posted an interview with a man he recognized as a former jet set employee Gregory Admes. The channel said that he gave videos and conversations to the prosecutors with Antonio Espilat, in which he warned that the April 7 party should not be held as the roof could be demolished.

In a video posted on Instagram, Edmes said that he would blame the Espilat family if he disappears or is shot or involved in an accident.

“If something happens to me, it is clear where it came from,” he said. “My intention is not to hurt anyone, only that the truth is known.”

A government -appointed committee, which includes international experts, is still investigating what happened due to roof collapse.

The crew worked for 53 hours nonstop after reaching the spot in Santo Domingo after midnight of 8 April, rescuing the remaining people from 189.

The victims consisted of cute singer Rubby Perez, who were performing on the roof, and the sister of Montechrist province Governor Nelsi Cruise and seven-time Major League Basball All-Star All-Star Nelson Cruz’s sister.

In addition, the slain MLB Pitcher was Octavio Dotle, who was pulled from the debris, but died in the hospital, and Dominican baseball player Tony Enrich Blanco Cabarera.

Other victims include a retired United Nations officer, New York -based fashion designer Martin PoCCO, an army captain, who overtaken four young girls, and AFP three employees in Group Popular, a financial services company, including the popular bank and his wife’s president.

Relatives of many people have filed cases against Antonio Espilat.

The club, which had been operating for nearly five decades, was known for the Merangue parties on Monday night, attracting international personalities and high-profile dominics.