A fire destroyed a resort in the Dominican Republic; 1,700 people were evacuated
In the Dominican Republic, a massive fire almost completely destroyed part of the upscale Viva Dominicus Beach resort complex. An Italian tourist died as a result of the tragedy, and about 1,700 other people had to be evacuated immediately. The fire spread rapidly, and its consequences were devastating.
The fire broke out at the popular Viva Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahibe, on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, and within hours engulfed a significant portion of the complex, which hosted vacationers from around the world. The fire spread so quickly that some of the buildings could not be saved, despite the rapid response of emergency services.
According to local media and the Associated Press, one Italian citizen died as a result of the tragedy, and several other people were injured or sought medical attention due to smoke inhalation and panic during the evacuation. In total, about 1,690 tourists were evacuated from the danger zone and temporarily housed in other hotels and residential complexes nearby.
Rescue workers and emergency services report that the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, but preliminary theories include strong winds and the buildings’ construction features—specifically the use of flammable materials, such as thatched roofs—which may have accelerated the spread of the flames.
At the same time, it is noted that another nearby property belonging to the same resort brand—Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace—was not affected and continued to operate as usual, despite the emergency that unfolded just a few hundred meters away.
