Massive Fire Destroys Resort In Dominican Republic, 1 Tourist Dead

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — A massive fire nearly destroyed a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, forcing the evacuation of about 1,700 tourists, officials said.

Local media reported that an Italian tourist died in the fire and many tourists needed medical attention.

Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort is located in Bayahibe, a popular destination for U.S. and international tourists on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic.

Authorities reported that approximately 1,690 tourists had to be evacuated from the resort to other hotels and nearby residential facilities due to the massive fire.

While the cause of the fire was being investigated, the country’s Emergency Operations Center said that “the fire spread rapidly” due to the fact that part of the roof of the facility was made of thatch and the wind.

Viva Wyndham’s other nearby resort, Dominicus Palace, was not damaged by the fire and is operating normally, the center said.