One dead and nearly 1,700 evacuated after hotel fire in Dominican Republic

BAYAHIBE — A 46-year-old Italian tourist died in a major fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahibe, in the southeast of the Dominican Republic, on Friday. Approximately 1,690 hotel guests were evacuated, while several people required medical treatment.

The fire broke out on Friday morning at the four-star resort in La Altagracia province, sending guests and staff into a frenzy as they quickly evacuated the premises. Images from the area showed flames spreading through several buildings and common facilities, engulfing the structures in a fierce blaze while large clouds of smoke were visible above the coastline, darkening the sky and casting a pall over the otherwise serene landscape. Emergency services rushed to the scene, working tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby areas, while onlookers captured the dramatic scene, their expressions a mix of shock and concern for those affected by the disaster.

According to a preliminary assessment by the Dominican Emergency Operations Center, known as COE, the fire was able to spread rapidly because parts of the roof structures were made from combustible palm and thatch materials. Wind conditions are also believed to have contributed to the spread. Authorities have not yet established what caused the fire.

Medical assistance and evacuation

The Dominican prehospital emergency service, DAEH, reported that three people were taken to medical facilities. Six others were treated at the scene. Those affected included hotel guests, visitors and emergency personnel.

The approximately 1,690 evacuated guests were transferred to nearby hotels and other available accommodation, according to the COE. These included the Dominicus Palace and hotels in Bayahibe and Miches.

Fire departments from several parts of the region were deployed to combat the blaze. Central Romana Corporation and Punta Cana International Airport also supplied specialized equipment and firefighting capacity.

The nearby Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, which is operated by the same hotel group, was not damaged, according to the authorities. Guests at that resort were moved to safe and ventilated areas as a precaution. The hotel subsequently resumed operations.

Investigation into the cause

Dominican authorities have appointed a technical commission to determine the cause of the fire. A full investigation can only be conducted after emergency operations and the inspection of the site have been completed.

Based on the information made public so far, authorities have not announced a criminal investigation or indicated that any person or company is being held responsible. The findings regarding the roofing materials and wind conditions relate only to the possible speed at which the fire spread and do not establish the original cause of the blaze.

Hotel group’s response

During the initial phase of the fire, Viva Resorts issued a statement saying that all guests and employees had been evacuated and that no serious casualties had been reported at that time. The company also cancelled scheduled arrivals through Sunday and asked travel partners to relocate affected guests.

That initial statement was later overtaken by the official confirmation of one death and several medical interventions. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts had not responded to Reuters’ request for additional comment at the time of publication.

Significance for the tourism sector

Authorities stressed that other tourism activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding region were continuing as normal. Nevertheless, the incident has renewed attention on fire safety in tropical resort structures and on the importance of effective evacuation plans, regional emergency cooperation and adequate specialized firefighting capacity at large hotel complexes.