The first known lawsuit has been filed against the owners of a legendary nightclub whose roof collapsed and killed 231 people in the Dominican Republic.

The death toll at last week's nightclub roof collapse in the capital of the Dominican Republic rose to 231, the Minister of Interior and Police said on Monday, as families of victims began filing lawsuits against the nightclub's owners.

The roof of an iconic nightclub in the Dominican capital collapsed during a merengue concert this week, killing at least 221 people and injuring over 200. Politicians, athletes and a fashion designer were among those enjoying live music at the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo when disaster struck early on Tuesday.