Key facts
- A massive fire destroyed the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in the Dominican Republic.
- One Italian tourist died in the incident.
- Nearly 1,700 tourists were evacuated from the resort.
- Dominican authorities are assisting foreign tourists, many of whom lost identity documents, to return home.
- The fire spread rapidly due to wind and flammable roof materials.
- The cause of the blaze is under investigation.
Dominican authorities were working on Saturday to help foreign tourists return to their home countries after a massive fire nearly destroyed the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe. The blaze, which occurred on Friday, forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 tourists and resulted in the death of one Italian national.
Hotel management officials stated they are coordinating with embassies and governments to facilitate the return of guests who lost identity documents, including passports. Tourists have been relocated to other hotels in Punta Cana and Bayahibe, and local authorities are expediting the filing of necessary reports for affected guests.
General Manuel Méndez, director of the country’s Emergency Operations Center, confirmed that the cause of the Italian woman’s death was under investigation. He also noted that tourism activities in the area were continuing as normal. The rapid spread of the fire was attributed to wind and the resort's partially thatched roof.