A deadly fire swept through a luxury hotel in Bayahibe, forcing 1,700 tourists to evacuate. One Italian woman died during the incident. Authorities are investigating the cause as emergency teams respond.
A devastating fire broke out on Friday at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, resulting in the death of a 46-year-old Italian tourist and the evacuation of approximately 1,700 guests. The incident, which unfolded at one of the region’s most prominent luxury hotels, has drawn attention to safety protocols in Caribbean tourist destinations.
According to the Dirección de Servicios de Atención a Emergencias Extrahospitalarias (DAEH), the victim suffered a respiratory crisis while on the beach, where she had gone to assist with the evacuation. Italian news agency ANSA reported that the woman was helping others leave their rooms when she was overcome by smoke. Emergency services transferred three people to medical centers, while six others received on-site care, as confirmed by local authorities.
Dramatic drone footage captured thick black smoke and flames engulfing several buildings within the resort complex. The rapid spread of the fire was likely fueled by strong winds and the palm leaf roofing used in some structures, according to preliminary findings. However, the exact cause remains under investigation, with officials stating that a technical commission will determine the origin once emergency operations conclude.
Authorities from the Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia (COE) announced that the fire was brought under control and that all guests were safely relocated to other hotels in the area. They also emphasized that tourism activities in Bayahibe and surrounding regions continued without disruption. The Italian embassy responded by providing emergency passports and coordinating return flights for the 285 Italian tourists affected, as reported by ANSA. The Italian ambassador visited the hospital to meet the deceased woman’s husband.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which manages over 8,400 properties worldwide, commended its staff for the swift evacuation and expressed condolences to the victim’s family, noting that the cause of death will be clarified after the autopsy. The company highlighted the professionalism of its team during the crisis.
Bayahibe is a major draw for international visitors, known for its clear waters and white sand beaches. The Dominican Republic remains the Caribbean’s leading tourist destination, welcoming around 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of the year. Incidents like this underscore the importance of robust safety measures in resorts that cater to large numbers of foreign guests, especially during peak travel periods.
