An Italian visitor passed away, and nearly 1,700 vacationers were evacuated following a significant fire that swept through a high-end resort in the Dominican Republic.
The fire erupted at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham in Bayahibe on Friday. Situated on the southeastern coast of the Caribbean nation, the resort is a favored spot for both American and international travelers.
Reportedly, Francesca Valentino, aged 46, lost her life in the blaze, with approximately 1,690 guests forced to leave the resort to relocate to other hotels and nearby accommodations due to the extensive fire.
According to the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Centre, the fire is believed to have rapidly spread due to windy conditions and the presence of a thatched roof at part of the resort. Fortunately, the fire has since been contained.
The Emergency Operations Centre also confirmed that Viva Wyndham’s neighboring resort, the Dominicus Palace, was untouched by the fire and is operating normally.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
