A large blaze engulfed the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahibe, the Dominican Republic, on the morning of Friday, killing a 46‑year‑old Italian tourist and prompting the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests.
The Dominican Republic Emergency Air Rescue and Health (DAEH) stated that the victim’s identity is confirmed and that she was a tourist from Italy. Medical teams transported the deceased and treated others on site; six additional guests received at‑site care.
Drone footage released by the authorities shows the widespread damage: buildings across the resort’s beachfront glowed with flame, while extensive black smoke rose over the Caribbean waters. Early‑day wind helped the fire spread over buildings with thatched roofs, a leading factor identified by investigators.
The Dominican Emergency Operations Center (COE) confirmed that the blaze was under control and that all affected guests were transferred to alternate hotels. Activities in nearby Bayahibe remained largely unhindered, with local tourism still operational.
Italy’s embassy in Santo Domingo confirmed that the ambassador met the deceased woman’s husband at the hospital and is issuing emergency passports for displaced Italian tourists, who number around 285 at the resort or nearby properties. The agency is coordinating return flights for those affected.
Bayahibe is a well‑known resort town noted for its clear blue waters and sandy beaches. The incident has highlighted the need for enhanced fire safety measures in luxury hotels along the Caribbean coast.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which owns the chain of 8,400 hotels worldwide, said staff and guests were evacuated safely, except for the fatality. The hotel will remain closed until further notice, as the company awaits autopsy findings before determining the cause of the fire.
