A resort fire in the Dominican beach town of Bayahibe killed a visitor and led to the evacuation of close to 1,700 people, local emergency services said on Friday.
The DAEH emergency service identified the deceased as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian woman, and confirmed she died at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel. Three other individuals were taken to medical facilities for further care, while six additional people received treatment at the scene, DAEH said. Those impacted by the blaze included hotel guests, other visitors and members of the emergency response teams.
Local media footage circulated after the incident showed dense plumes of smoke rising above the Caribbean coastline as flames consumed the resort’s palm-thatched roof. The country’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) said in a statement that "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 COE added that the fire had been brought under control but that officials were still investigating the underlying causes.
Hotel guests were relocated to nearby accommodations while authorities assessed the damage. A sister property, the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, which is part of the same hotel chain, reportedly sustained no damage. The COE said activity for tourists in Bayahibe and the surrounding area "remain unaffected and continue to take place safely and as normal."
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, the franchisor noted for a global portfolio numbering some 8,400 hotels, issued a statement expressing its sorrow over the guest’s death and extended condolences to her family. The company said the affected property is independently owned and operated and that it has been closed and will remain so until further notice.
The Dominican Republic remains a major regional draw, with the COE noting that the country received around 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of the year. Officials did not provide a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation into the fire.
This report is based on statements from DAEH and the COE, video imagery circulated by local media, and a company statement regarding operational status. Authorities continue to investigate the fire's exact origin while managing the humanitarian and logistical needs of displaced guests.