A massive fire broke out at a beachside resort in the popular tourist area of Bayahibe in the Dominican Republic, killing one person and forcing the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests and staff, Reuters reported, citing authorities on Friday. The victim has been identified as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian tourist, who died in the fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach hotel, according to the DAEH emergency service. Three people were taken to medical facilities, while six others, including hotel guests, visitors and paramedics, received treatment at the scene. Videos circulating on local media showed thick black smoke billowing over the Caribbean coast, as flames engulfed the palm-tree-covered roof of the resort.
Emergency crews battled the fire for hours before it was brought under control.
According to the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center (COE), the fire spread quickly because parts of the hotel’s roof were constructed with highly flammable palm materials. Strong winds further fanned the flames.The country’s Emergency Operations Center said, “Initial observations indicate that the fire spread rapidly due to the flammable nature of parts of the palm roof structures, as well as wind conditions.”
Authorities evacuated nearly 1,700 tourists from the resort and transferred guests to nearby hotels. The neighboring Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace hotel, belonging to the same hotel chain, was not damaged. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Despite the incident, officials confirmed that tourism activities in Bayahibe and surrounding areas are still operating normally. “Tourism activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area have not been affected and continue safely and as usual,” the Council of Excellence said. Known for its clear waters and white-sand beaches, the Dominican Republic remains the most visited tourist destination in the Caribbean, welcoming approximately 5.6 million visitors during the first five months of this year.
