A massive blaze at a well-known Dominican Republic resort has left at least one person dead and prompted the evacuation of roughly 1,700 people.
Video from the scene captured thick smoke pouring from part of the Viva Dominicus Bayahibe resort in La Altagracia on Friday.
Authorities identified the victim as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old woman from Italy, according to a statement from the Dominican Republic’s emergency service, DAEH.
DAEH said three people were transported to medical centers, while six others received treatment at the scene. Those impacted included hotel guests, visitors and emergency personnel.
The resort, where rooms cost about $350 per night, is a favored destination for American travelers, many of whom were among those evacuated.
Early findings suggest the flames moved quickly because sections of the roof were built with highly flammable palm materials, combined with windy conditions, the country’s Emergency Operations Center, or COE, said.
The fire was brought under control but its causes were still being investigated, the operations center said. Guests were moved to nearby hotels.
The Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, part of the same chain, did not sustain any damage.
A drone view shows a fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic
The blaze broke out at around 11am Friday and quickly tore through the luxury resort
Shocking footage showed smoke billowing from the resort as panicked tourists ran for their lives
Emergency services raced to the tourist hotspot as the fires grew out of control
‘Tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remain unaffected and continue to take place safely and as normal,’ COE added.
Emergency services raced to the tourist hotspot, which is operated by Wyndham Resorts, as the flames spiraled out of control.
First responders said fire crews were deployed quickly to contain the inferno.
Authorities said they were working to contain the flames to the area, fearing it could spread to nearby structures in the resort, according to Dominican Today.
One witness said on social media that firefighters were struggling to extinguish the fires.
‘Although fire trucks are already on the scene, the magnitude of the blaze exceeds the available equipment and greater support is required with higher-impact units to fully extinguish it,’ they wrote.
Video shows flames raging through what appears to be a thatched roof on top of the hotel.
Fire crews can be seen dousing the building with water, but the hosepipe is measly by comparison to the structure.
Dozens of witnesses gathered around to watch the ensuing carnage as the hotel burned.
The fire was brought under control but its causes were still being investigated
Authorities said they were working to contain the flames to the area, fearing it could spread to nearby structures in the resort
The resort is a popular destination for American tourists, who often share picturesque tropical photos of their trips to the island across social media
At least one person has died as a result of the fire with authorities confirming that she was a 46-year-old Italian woman. Pictured: Stunned onlookers watch the blaze
The hotel is described on its website as an ‘all-inclusive paradise’ where ‘the sun and moon set the stage for nonstop fun’, surrounded by ‘pristine white sands’
The resort is a popular destination for American tourists, who often share picturesque tropical photos of their trips to the island across social media.
The hotel is described on its website as an ‘all-inclusive paradise’ where ‘the sun and moon set the stage for nonstop fun’, surrounded by ‘pristine white sands’.
It offers a variety of entertainment, from restaurants and live music to sports like pickleball, paddleboarding and trapeze lessons.
The resort spills out onto the beach, complete with a large pool close to the sand.
It has also undergone extensive renovations in the past few years, including common areas and many of its food offerings.
Famous for its clear water and white sand beaches, the Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s top tourist destination, receiving some 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of this year.
