Fire Destroys Dominican Republic Resort, Forcing Nearly 1,700 Tourists To Evacuate

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — A ample occurrence almost wholly destroyed a luxury edifice successful nan Dominican Republic connected Friday, forcing nan removal of almost 1,700 tourists, authorities said.

Local media reported an Italian tourer died successful nan occurrence and respective different visitors required aesculapian assistance.

The Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham edifice is located successful Bayahibe, a celebrated destination for U.S. and world visitors connected nan Dominican Republic’s southeastern coast.

Authorities reported astir 1,690 visitors had to beryllium evacuated from nan edifice to different hotels and adjacent lodging accommodation because of nan monolithic blaze.

The origin of nan occurrence was nether investigation and nan country’s Emergency Operations Center said it appeared nan “fire dispersed rapidly” owed to upwind and because portion of nan resort’s tile was made of thatch.

Viva Wyndham’s different adjacent resort, nan Dominicus Palace, was not damaged by nan occurrence and was operating arsenic normal, nan halfway said.