SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 20 (Our Florida Times) — A fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, left the resort closed until further notice after killing one tourist and forcing authorities to evacuate 1,690 people, according to emergency officials and the hotel operator.
The Dominican Republic Directorate of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Services identified the victim as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian national. The agency said at least nine other people were treated for injuries, including three who were taken to off-site medical facilities.
The Dominican Republic Emergency Operations Center said the fire had been contained and that guests were moved to alternative accommodations. It said tourism activity in Bayahibe and the surrounding area was not disrupted.
Authorities said the flames spread rapidly because of windy conditions and combustible palm-roof structures at the property. The emergency center said a nearby Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace was not damaged and was operating normally.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said its hotel teams evacuated guests and staff and that the resort would remain closed until further notice. The company said the hotel operates independently.
