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, sent at least nine others for treatment and forced the evacuation of 1,690 guests and visitors, authorities said.
The Dominican Republic Directorate of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Services identified the person who died as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian national. The agency said at least nine other people were treated for injuries, and three were taken to off-site medical facilities.
The Dominican Republic Emergency Operations Center said the blaze was contained and that guests were moved to other accommodations. It also said tourism activity in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remained unaffected.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said hotel teams evacuated guests and staff and that the hotel would remain closed until further notice. The company said the resort operates independently.
Authorities said the fire spread quickly, with wind and the flammable palm-thatch roofing helping the flames move through the property. The exact cause of the fire was not immediately clear in the information released so far.
Nearby Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace was not damaged and was operating normally, according to officials cited in reporting.
Bayahibe is a coastal resort area on the Dominican Republic’s southeastern shore and is a regular stop for international travelers. The incident leaves one of the area’s best-known beachfront properties closed while officials continue to assess the damage.
