Fire at a hotel in the Dominican Republic: one woman has died, 1,700 tourists have been evacuated

A woman died and around 1,700 tourists were evacuated following a major fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach hotel in the Bayahibe resort in the Dominican Republic.

Tragedy on the beach

19 June at the hotel Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach, A major fire broke out at a hotel in the popular resort town of Bayahibe, resulting in the death of 46-year-old Italian woman Francesca Valentino. According to local authorities, the woman was unable to escape from the burning building; her death was confirmed by the DAEH emergency services. This was reported reports agency Reuters.

Around 1,700 tourists were evacuated as the fire spread rapidly through the hotel. Video footage published by local media shows dark clouds of smoke rising above the Caribbean coast, whilst flames engulf the resort’s thatched roof.

“Preliminary observations suggest that the fire spread rapidly due to the flammable roofing materials and the weather conditions,” the country’s Emergency Operations Centre (COE) stated. The fire has been brought under control, but the cause is still under investigation.

Following the evacuation of those affected, three people were taken to medical facilities, whilst six received treatment at the scene. Guests were relocated to neighbouring hotels that had not been damaged.

The COE also emphasised that tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding areas remain unchanged and are continuing as normal.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, the company that manages the hotel, has expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and confirmed that the independently owned and managed hotel will remain closed until further notice.

The Dominican Republic remains a popular tourist destination. The country welcomed around 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of this year alone.