Huge fire rips through luxury beach resort as 1,700 tourists evacuated | World | News
A woman died in a massive fire at a luxury beach resort in the Dominican Republic, while nearly 1,700 tourists were evacuated to escape the raging inferno. Italian tourist Francesca Valentino, 46, died after a fire broke out at Wyndham’s Viva Dominicus Beach in Bayahibe on the country’s southeast coast on Friday.
While three people were taken to hospital, six people, including guests, visitors and emergency responders, were treated at the scene. Hundreds of holidaymakers were moved to nearby hotels and other accommodation as fire crews struggled to control the flames. Dramatic images shared by local media showed thick black smoke rising over the Caribbean coastline as large parts of the facility, including the thatched roof, were engulfed by fire.
An eyewitness expressed on social media how hard the firefighters worked to extinguish the fire because the flames were so big.
Officials said: “Although fire trucks were already on the scene, the size of the fire exceeds the available equipment and further support with higher impact units is needed to fully extinguish the fire.”
Shocking footage showed terrified tourists scrambling to escape as the fire intensified, while another clip showed dozens of holidaymakers taking refuge in the sea with the resort burning behind them.
Dramatic scenes were played out with the sound of bachata music in the background.
Following the fire, hotel staff and guests were evacuated from the property and taken to nearby safe locations, including a local beach.
The popular holiday complex describes itself on its website as an “all-inclusive paradise” where “the sun and moon set the stage for non-stop fun.”
The Dominican Republic Emergency Operations Center (COE) said initial findings showed that the fire spread rapidly due to strong winds and flammable palm roofing used in parts of the complex.
While the fire was later brought under control, the investigation into the cause continues.
While the neighboring Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace resort was not damaged and remains open, the COE said tourist activities in and around Bayahibe continued as normal.
The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s most visited tourist destination, welcoming more than 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of this year.
