A huge fire erupted early Friday at the luxury Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, killing one 46‑year‑old Italian tourist and forcing the evacuation of almost 1,700 guests.
Emergency services reported that three people were taken to medical facilities and six were treated on site. The victim’s husband was met at a local hospital, where the Italian ambassador was present, according to ANSA.
Drone footage revealed widespread flames across the resort’s thatched–roof buildings and thick black smoke billowing over the Caribbean coast.
Investigators say the blaze spread rapidly because of strong winds and the flammable roofs, though the exact cause remains unknown.
The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center confirmed that the fire was brought under control, guests were moved to alternate hotels, and the surrounding area faced no major disruptions to tourism.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts issued a brief statement acknowledging the guest loss, noting that the resort remains closed until further notice, and conveying their condolences to the family while autopsy results await.
In light of the tragedy, the Italian embassy is helping 285 Italian travelers at the resort by issuing emergency passports for those whose documents were destroyed and arranging flights back home.
Bayahibe, celebrated for its clear white sands and turquoise waters, remains an attractive destination for vacationers despite this incident.
