A fatal fire at a beach resort in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, left one woman dead and triggered the evacuation of almost 1,700 people, authorities reported. The victim was identified as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian guest, according to a statement from the national emergency service (DAEH).
The blaze broke out at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel, where emergency crews responded and moved guests to safety. Three people were taken to medical facilities for further treatment and six others received care at the scene, DAEH said. The officials noted that those affected by the incident included hotel guests, visitors and emergency responders.
Video footage circulated by local media showed thick clouds of dark smoke rising over the Caribbean shoreline as flames consumed portions of the resort's straw roofing. The country’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) said preliminary observations point to the rapid spread of the fire being driven by the flammable nature of sections of the roof constructed from palm material and by wind conditions.
"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 said.
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, which franchises about 8,400 hotels globally, did not immediately reply to a request for comment, the operations center said.
Authorities reported the fire was brought under control, although the cause remains under investigation. Guests who were displaced from the affected property were relocated to nearby hotels. A sister property in the same chain, the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, was reported to have sustained no damage.
The COE added that tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area were continuing and remained "unaffected and continue to take place safely and as normal." The Dominican Republic, noted for its clear waters and white sand beaches, received some 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of this year, according to the information released by authorities.
This incident highlights immediate public safety outcomes at a major tourist destination and has prompted an ongoing emergency response and investigation. Local authorities continue to coordinate medical care for the injured and relocation for displaced guests while probing the precise cause of the fire.