Italian tourist killed in massive fire at Dominican Republic luxury resort

Dominican authorities are working to help foreign tourists return home after a devastating fire nearly consumed the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe on Friday. The blaze forced the evacuation of approximately 1,700 guests, tragically resulting in the death of an Italian national.

Amanda Santana, a hotel executive, noted that many guests lost essential identity documents, including passports. The hotel is coordinating with embassies and governments to facilitate the return of these tourists. Hotel management is also working with police to expedite online reports for those needing documentation, and evacuated guests have been relocated to other hotels in Punta Cana and Bayahibe.

General Manuel Méndez, director of the country's Emergency Operations Center, confirmed that the cause of the Italian woman's death is under investigation. He also stated that tourism activities in the popular resort area are continuing as usual. At the time of the fire, the resort was operating at 84% occupancy.

The Emergency Operations Center indicated that the fire spread rapidly, likely due to strong winds and the resort's construction, which included thatch roofing in some areas. The investigation into the exact cause of the fire is ongoing.

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Unfortunately, they lost their identity documents, including their passports.