One woman has died and nearly 1,700 tourists were evacuated after a massive fire tore through a beach hotel in the Dominican Republic.
The fire broke out Friday at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, a popular resort area in La Altagracia on the country’s southeastern coast.
Local emergency officials identified the victim as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old tourist from Italy.
Three people were taken to medical facilities, while six others were treated at the scene. Officials said those affected included guests, visitors and emergency responders.
Videos shared by local media showed thick black smoke rising above the Caribbean coastline as flames spread through parts of the resort. The fire appeared to burn rapidly through straw and palm-style roof structures.
Dominican Republic emergency officials said preliminary observations suggested the fire spread quickly because of flammable roofing materials and wind conditions.
Hundreds of guests were moved from the hotel as emergency crews worked to control the blaze. Many tourists were relocated to nearby hotels while authorities assessed the damage.
The fire has since been brought under control, but the cause remains under investigation.
Officials said the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, part of the same hotel chain, was not damaged by the fire.
Emergency authorities also said tourism activities in Bayahibe and surrounding areas remained unaffected and were continuing safely.
The Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean’s top tourist destinations, known for its beaches, resorts and clear waters. Bayahibe is especially popular with international visitors looking for all-inclusive beach vacations.
The deadly fire has raised new questions about resort safety, emergency response and the risks posed by traditional palm-thatched structures in high-wind coastal areas.
For now, authorities are focused on investigating what started the fire and supporting the tourists who were forced to evacuate.
