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, injured at least nine others and forced the evacuation of 1,690 guests, according to Dominican emergency officials.
The Dominican Republic Directorate of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Services identified the person who died 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.
The Dominican Republic Emergency Operations Center said the blaze was contained and that guests were moved to alternative accommodations. The agency also said tourism activity in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remained unaffected.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said its 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 because of wind and the combustible nature of some roof structures made with palm materials.
The nearby Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace was not damaged and was operating normally, according to authorities.
Bayahibe is a beach destination on the Dominican Republic’s southeastern coast and a stop for international travelers, making the closure and evacuation a disruption for guests already in the area. Officials did not say when the damaged hotel might reopen.
