Fire destroys Dominican Republic beachfront hotel, one tourist dead
A wind-driven blaze razed the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahibe, forcing the evacuation of about 1,700 guests; an Italian tourist died and the hotel remains closed.
A fire fueled by strong winds swept through the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, on Friday, destroying thatched roofs and several buildings. Emergency officials reported that nearly 1,700 guests were evacuated and that an Italian tourist, identified as 45-year-old Francesca Valentino, died at a hospital.
"We are saddened that a guest perished and we send our thoughts to the family while we await autopsy results to determine the cause," a statement from Viva Resorts by Wyndham said.
The resort’s management confirmed that all other guests and staff were safely evacuated and that the property will stay closed until further notice. By Saturday afternoon, after a 17-hour effort, firefighters had contained the blaze and relocated guests to nearby hotels.
"Technical investigations into the origin of the fire are ongoing," said Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center. "Preliminary findings suggest that the flames spread rapidly due to wind conditions and the flammable nature of the roofs made of thatch."
Méndez added that the deceased tourist did not suffer burns and that four emergency responders experienced heatstroke but were recovering. Drone footage posted on social media showed charred structures, burnt palm trees and an undamaged tennis court.