A massive fire tore through the luxury beachfront resort Viva Dominicus Bayahibe in the Dominican Republic on Friday.
Viva Dominicus Bayahibe resort is located on the Bayahibe-La Romana coast in the eastern Dominican Republic. Videos circulating online showed flames racing through thatched-roof structures as frightened tourists gathered on the beach.
According to eyewitness accounts shared by The Sun, the blaze spread rapidly and appeared to overwhelm the initial firefighting response. The witness said the scale of the fire exceeded available equipment and required additional support units to bring it under control.
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Cause remains unknown as investigation continues
Footage showed towering flames engulfing sections of the Viva Dominicus Bayahibe resort while thick black smoke billowed into the sky above the popular Caribbean tourist destination.
One video shows terrified onlookers and guests escaping the scene as the fire spreads. In another video, scores of vacationers can be seen standing waist-deep in the water as the fire rages in the distance.
As the fire quickly spread, emergency personnel raced to the site. According to the authorities, they are currently working nonstop to contain the fire.
Investigators have not yet determined what sparked the fire. Authorities are expected to conduct a formal investigation once the affected areas are declared safe and emergency operations conclude.
ABC News reported that at least 15 firefighting units are battling the blaze at the resort.
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At least one person is dead
Hotel staff moved quickly to evacuate guests from affected areas and escort them to designated safe zones, including nearby beach areas. Videos showed dozens of holidaymakers watching the blaze from the shoreline as emergency responders worked to contain the flames.
However, the Dominican Republic Foreign Ministry told ABC News that the fire claimed the life of a 46-year-old female Italian tourist.
Officials have not confirmed the total number of injuries or whether any guests or workers were trapped during the incident.
The beachfront complex sits along one of the Dominican Republic’s most visited tourism corridors. The property is run in collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and is located between Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.
According to its website, the resort is an “all-inclusive paradise” where “the sun and moon set the stage for nonstop fun,” making it a popular travel destination for Americans.
