Fire devastates Dominican Republic resort, prompting evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests
A blaze at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe forced the evacuation of about 1,690 tourists, with one fatality reported and the cause under investigation.
A fire broke out at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, on Friday, destroying much of the property and prompting authorities to move roughly 1,690 tourists to other accommodations. Local reports indicated that an Italian visitor died in the incident and several others required medical attention. The Emergency Operations Center said the fire spread quickly, aided by strong winds and thatch roofing on part of the resort, and said investigators are looking into the cause. Nearby Viva Wyndham’s Dominicus Palace resort was not affected and continued operations as usual.
"The fire spread rapidly due to wind and because part of the resort’s roof was made of thatch," the Emergency Operations Center said.