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 guests, officials said Friday.
The Dominican Republic Directorate of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Services identified the victim 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 had been contained and that guests were moved to alternative accommodations. It 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 property would remain closed until further notice. The company said the hotel operates independently.
Preliminary observations cited by authorities said wind and the combustible nature of palm or thatched roof structures helped the fire spread rapidly. Authorities also said the nearby Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace was not damaged and was operating normally.
The fire erupted Friday at the resort on the Dominican Republic’s southeastern coast, a destination used by international travelers.
