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 people, officials said Friday, while the resort remained closed and nearby properties continued operating.
The Dominican Republic Directorate of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Services identified the victim as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian national. The agency said at least nine other people were treated for injuries, including three who were taken to off-site medical facilities.
The Dominican Republic Emergency Operations Center said the blaze had been contained and that guests were relocated to alternative accommodations. It said tourism activity in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remained unaffected.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said hotel teams evacuated guests and staff and that the property would remain closed until further notice. The company said the hotel operates independently.
Authorities said the fire spread quickly after breaking out at the resort on the Dominican Republic’s southeastern coast. Preliminary observations cited by officials suggested wind and palm or thatched roof structures helped the flames move rapidly, though the exact cause has not been released.
The nearby Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace was not damaged and was operating normally, according to authorities.
