Nearly 1,700 Tourists Evacuated After Fire Destroys Dominican Republic Resort

A ample occurrence almost destroyed a luxury edifice successful nan Dominican Republic connected Friday, forcing nan evacuation of almost 1,700 tourists, authorities said.

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

Francesca Valentino, 46, died successful nan occurrence astatine nan Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel, according to a connection from nan country’s emergency service, nan DAEH.

Three group were taken to hospital, while six others were treated astatine nan scene. Those affected included edifice guests, visitors and emergency responders.

The Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham edifice is located successful Bayahibe, a celebrated destination for US 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 blaze 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.

Videos shared by section media showed heavy plumes of achromatic fume rising supra nan Caribbean coastline arsenic flames tore done nan resort’s thatched roof.

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

Tourist activities ​in Bayahibe and nan surrounding area are reportedly unaffected.

Known for its crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches, nan Dominican Republic is nan Caribbean’s astir celebrated tourer destination, attracting astir 5.6 cardinal visitors successful nan first 5 months of nan year.