SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 20 (Our Florida Times) — A fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, killed one tourist and forced authorities to evacuate 1,690 guests, while the resort said it would remain closed until further notice.
The Dominican Republic Directorate of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Services identified the victim as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian tourist. The agency said at least nine other people were treated for injuries and three were taken to off-site medical facilities.
Authorities said the blaze broke out Friday and spread quickly, with wind and the resort’s palm-roof structures helping the fire move through the property. The Dominican Republic Emergency Operations Center said the fire was contained later in the response.
The emergency agency said guests were moved to alternative accommodations. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said hotel teams evacuated guests and staff and said the property operates independently.
For travelers, the immediate operational impact appeared limited to the resort itself. The Emergency Operations Center said tourism activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area were not disrupted.
Authorities also said the nearby Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace was not damaged and was operating normally.
