A woman has died and about 1,700 tourists were evacuated after a major fire broke out at a hotel in the beach resort area of Bayahibe in the Dominican Republic, local authorities confirmed on Friday.
According to Reuters, the victim, identified as 46-year-old Italian national Francesca Valentino, died in the blaze at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel, according to the DAEH.
Officials said three individuals were transported to medical facilities, while six others received treatment at the scene.
Those affected included hotel guests, visitors, and emergency responders involved in the evacuation effort.
Footage circulated by local media showed thick black smoke rising over the coastal resort as flames consumed sections of the property, including its straw roofing structures.
“Preliminary observations indicate that the fire spread rapidly due to the flammable nature of parts of the roof structures made of palm, as well as wind conditions,” the country’s Emergency Operations Center said.
The hotel group Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, which operates thousands of properties worldwide under franchise agreements, did not immediately issue a response when contacted.
Authorities later confirmed the fire had been contained, though investigations into its origin are ongoing. Evacuated guests were relocated to nearby accommodations, while the nearby Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace reportedly remained untouched.
“Tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remain unaffected and continue to take place safely and as normal,” COE added.
The Dominican Republic, widely known for its white-sand beaches and clear Caribbean waters, remains the region’s leading tourism hub, welcoming millions of visitors annually.
