On Saturday, Dominican authorities were focused on assisting foreign tourists affected by a devastating fire that nearly destroyed the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe. The fire resulted in the evacuation of approximately 1,700 guests and tragically claimed the life of an Italian national.
Hotel executive Amanda Santana noted that many tourists lost their identity documents, including passports, prompting coordination with embassies to facilitate their return home. The hotel management is collaborating with police to expedite necessary reports for the affected guests. Tourists have been relocated to nearby hotels in Punta Cana and Bayahibe.
General Manuel Méndez, director of the Emergency Operations Center, confirmed that an investigation is underway regarding the cause of the fire and the death, while assuring that tourism activities in the area continue as usual. At the time of the incident, the resort was operating at 84% occupancy, and the rapid spread of the fire was attributed to wind and the thatched roofing of the resort