A significant fire engulfed Wyndham’s Viva Dominicus resort in Bayahibe, a fishing village in the Dominican Republic’s Altagracia province, on Friday, resulting in one fatality and the evacuation of approximately 1,700 guests and staff. The blaze rapidly consumed parts of the resort, including thatched roofs and other structures, prompting an urgent response from local emergency teams.

The deceased has been identified as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian visitor who had been in the country to see family. Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the fire, with an autopsy pending. Early assessments by the Dominican Emergency Operations Center attribute the rapid spread of the fire to the combination of flammable palm roof materials and windy weather conditions.

Eyewitnesses and staff described scenes of panic as guests attempted to retrieve personal belongings amidst the chaos. Sara Calabria, a 27-year-old hotel employee who shared images and videos of the unfolding disaster on social media, recounted guests’ attempts to re-enter burning buildings despite warnings to evacuate. “Nothing is more valuable than your life,” Calabria said, urging caution amid the emergency. She also expressed personal anguish at the destruction of her workplace, which she described as her “second home.”

Wyndham, in a statement, confirmed the hotel was independently owned and operator-run. The company said efforts by the Emergency Operations Center and regional fire departments successfully contained the fire. Hotel personnel assisted in the evacuation to ensure guest and staff safety. Wyndham expressed condolences to the family of the deceased guest and indicated the property would remain closed until further notice.

The fire highlights ongoing concerns regarding the vulnerability of traditional materials used in resort construction, especially in areas prone to specific weather conditions. Local authorities continue to probe the incident to prevent future tragedies of this nature.