Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic experienced a night of devastation. A massive fire broke out on Friday, engulfing large sections of the luxurious Viva Dominicos Beach by Wyndham resort. The resort is located in the Bayahibe coastal area, one of the world’s premier tourist destinations on the country’s southeastern coast.
Human losses and mass evacuation
The fire, which sent plumes of thick smoke billowing into the sky, claimed the life of a 46-year-old Italian tourist, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local medical authorities. Nine other people, including tourists and emergency response personnel, were injured. Three were taken to hospitals for treatment, while the others were treated at the scene.
In a swift response to contain the situation, Dominican authorities launched a large-scale evacuation of approximately 1,690 tourists staying at the resort. They were transferred to safe hotels and accommodations in the surrounding areas to ensure their safety. The country’s Emergency Operations Center confirmed that the adjacent Viva Wyndham resort (Dominican Palace) was unaffected and continues to operate normally. The center also emphasized that the tourism sector in Bayahibe was generally unaffected.
Preliminary investigations into the causes of the disaster
The Emergency Operations Center explained that initial findings indicate the fire spread rapidly and was “out of control.” This was due to a combination of factors, most notably the strong winds in the area. Additionally, the flammable materials used in the construction of parts of the resort, particularly the palm-frond and thatched roofs, contributed to the rapid blaze.
Investigation teams are continuing their efforts at the scene to determine the precise cause of the fire. Meanwhile, relevant diplomatic missions, particularly the Italian Embassy, have begun taking steps to provide support to those affected. These missions are working to facilitate the return of citizens who lost their travel documents or personal belongings in the blaze. This incident has once again highlighted safety standards at major coastal resorts that receive millions of visitors annually.
