Tourists evacuated after fatal hotel fire in the Dominican Republic
Reuters
Santo Domingo : A woman died and about 1,700 tourists were evacuated after a massive fire broke out at a hotel in the Dominican seaside resort of Bayahibe, local authorities said Friday.
The country’s Directorate of Non-Hospital Emergency Care Services (DAEH) said in a statement that 46-year-old Italian woman Francesca Valentino died in a fire at Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel.
DAEH said that 3 people were taken to health facilities and 6 people were treated at the scene. Those affected included guests, visitors and emergency responders.
Videos shared by local media showed clouds of black smoke rising over the Caribbean coastline as flames engulfed the facility’s thatched roof.
“Initial observations indicate that the fire spread rapidly due to the flammable nature of palm tree roof structures and wind conditions,” the country’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) said.
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, which franchises about 8,400 hotels worldwide, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In the statement made by the operation center, it was stated that the fire was under control and the cause was being investigated. Guests were moved to nearby hotels. Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, which is part of the same chain, did not suffer any damage.
“Tourist activities in and around Bayahibe remain unaffected and continue to occur safely and normally,” the COE added.
Famous for its clear waters and white sandy beaches, the Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s top tourist destination and welcomed approximately 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of this year.
Reuters
