A devastating fire at a luxury beach resort in the Dominican Republic resulted in one death and injuries to several others, according to local officials. The blaze erupted at Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach, a four-star establishment in Bayahibe, La Altagracia province, at around 11 a.m. on Friday.
Bayahibe, situated on the southeastern coast, is a frequent travel destination for both American and international visitors. During a news conference held Friday evening, Juan Manuel Mendez, the head of the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center, confirmed the fatality and revealed that nine individuals sustained injuries. Three were hospitalized, while six received treatment at the scene.
Earlier reports from an emergency official in neighboring La Romana province indicated that the deceased was an Italian woman. Cellphone footage captured dramatic scenes of thatch-roof structures consumed by flames at the beachside resort. Swimmers were visible in the ocean nearby as the smoke and fire intensified.
Firefighters from La Romana assisted local crews in their efforts to control the spread of the fire. About 1,690 guests at the resort were safely evacuated to alternative accommodations. While the Dominicus Palace, another resort by Viva Wyndham nearby, remained unharmed and continued normal operations, the fire’s rapid spread was attributed to the resort’s cane roof, a highly flammable material. Windy conditions exacerbated the situation.
The origin of the fire remains under investigation. A spokesperson for Viva Resorts by Wyndham stated that the company is working closely with authorities and on-ground teams to gather more information about the incident.
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