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 the evacuation of 1,690 people on Friday, emergency officials said. Authorities said at least nine other people were treated for injuries, and three were taken to off-site medical facilities.
The Dominican Republic Directorate of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Services identified the person who died as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian national.
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.
Officials said the fire spread quickly because of wind and the combustible palm or thatched roof structures at the property. 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 property operates independently. Authorities said a nearby Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace was not damaged and was operating normally.
Bayahibe is a resort area on the Dominican Republic’s southeastern coast that draws international visitors, making the closure and evacuation a concern for travelers with plans in the area.
