Flames quickly engulfed the hotel in Bayahibe
Hundreds of tourists were forced to leave a luxury hotel on a beach in the Dominican Republic after a fire broke out at a resort in the town of Bayahibe.
Despite authorities’ efforts to contain the flames and ensure the safety of all guests and staff, a woman died as a result of the fire.
The Dominican Republic’s emergency services confirmed in a statement that Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian citizen who was on a tourist trip, died in the fire that broke out at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach hotel.
Three other people had to be taken to hospital, while six individuals were treated at the scene.
Among the various victims there are guests, but also visitors to the hotel and even members of the rescue teams.
Videos shared on social media show a dark and smoky scene, with the flames quickly consuming a large part of the resort, particularly the buildings made of straw on the roofs.
“Preliminary observations indicate that the fire spread quickly due to the flammable nature of parts of the palm roof structures, as well as wind conditions,” the Emergency Operations Center said.
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts is a franchise responsible for approximately 8,400 hotels worldwide.
The fire at the hotel was eventually controlled, but the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and guests were transferred to nearby hotels.
“Tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area were not affected and continued to take place safely and normally,” added the Emergency Operations Center.
