A 46-year-old Italian woman was killed and nearly 1,700 tourists were evacuated following a large fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in the Dominican beach resort of Bayahibe, local authorities confirmed on Friday.
Fire Claims One Life and Injures Several
The DAEH emergency service identified the victim as Francesca Valentino, an Italian national. Three people were transported to medical facilities, and six others, including guests, visitors, and emergency responders, were treated on site, according to DAEH.
Videos shared by local media showed dark clouds of smoke billowing above the Caribbean coastline as flames engulfed the resort's straw roof. The fire spread rapidly due to the flammable palm roof structures and wind conditions, the country's Emergency Operations Center (COE) reported.
Evacuation and Response
Nearly 1,700 tourists were evacuated from the hotel. The fire was brought under control, but its causes remain under investigation. Guests were relocated to nearby hotels. The Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, part of the same chain, sustained no damage.
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, which franchises some 8,400 hotels worldwide, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Impact on Tourism
The COE assured that tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remain unaffected and continue safely as normal. The Dominican Republic, known for its clear water and white sand beaches, is the Caribbean's top tourist destination, receiving about 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of this year.
