Italian Tourist Dies as Fire Ravages Dominican Republic Beach Resort
A blaze at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe forced the evacuation of about 1,700 guests and resulted in the death of an Italian visitor, while authorities work to repatriate tourists.
A fire at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, caused extensive damage to the property and led to the death of an Italian tourist, officials said. The incident prompted the evacuation of roughly 1,700 guests, many of whom have been relocated to nearby hotels in Punta Cana and Bayahibe.
Hotel executive Amanda Santana said the victims lost their identity documents, including passports, and that the resort is coordinating with foreign embassies to facilitate their return. Hotel management is also assisting guests in filing police reports online.
General Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center, indicated that investigators are examining the cause of the Italian woman's death and noted that tourism activities in the area are proceeding as usual. The center attributed the rapid spread of the fire to strong winds and the use of thatch on part of the resort's roof. At the time of the blaze, the hotel reported an 84% occupancy rate.