Italian tourist dies in Dominican Republic resort blaze
A massive fire has almost completely destroyed a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic, forcing the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests. An Italian woman died after suffering a respiratory crisis from smoke inhalation.
A devastating fire broke out at a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, causing extensive damage and prompting the evacuation of nearly 1,700 holidaymakers, authorities said. The fire was reported at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe, a popular tourist destination on the country's southeastern coast. Local media initially reported the death of an Italian tourist, later confirmed by authorities to the Italian embassy. According to Italian news agency ANSA, the woman suffered a respiratory crisis after rushing to the beach and lost consciousness due to smoke from the blaze. The Italian ambassador met with the victim's husband at the hospital.
The emergency response team evacuated about 1,690 guests from the resort, relocating them to other hotels and nearby accommodations. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but the Emergency Operations Centre stated that the flames spread rapidly due to windy conditions and the resort's partially thatched roof. A nearby Wyndham property, the Dominicus Palace, was not affected by the fire and continued normal operations. Police shared a video on social media showing the aftermath, with several buildings completely destroyed. Footage circulating online depicted huge plumes of black smoke engulfing the resort as it burned.
