SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 20 (Our Florida Times) — A fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, killed one tourist and forced the evacuation of 1,690 people, according to Dominican emergency authorities. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said the property will remain closed until further notice.
The Dominican Republic Directorate of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Services identified the person who died as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian tourist. The agency said at least nine other people were treated for injuries, and three were taken to off-site medical facilities.
The Dominican Republic Emergency Operations Center said the fire was contained and that guests were moved to alternative accommodations. The agency said tourism activity in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remained unaffected.
Wyndham said hotel teams evacuated guests and staff and extended condolences to Valentino’s family. The company also said the hotel operates independently.
Authorities said the fire spread quickly, with preliminary observations pointing to wind and combustible roof structures made of palm material. A nearby property, the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, was not damaged and was operating normally, according to authorities.
