Fire at Dominican beach resort kills Italian tourist, affects 21 Portuguese, evacuates 1,700

The fire

A fire erupted on Friday, June 19, at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort, a luxury beachfront property in Bayahibe, on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. The flames spread rapidly through the property’s common areas, fed by the thatched palm roofs that cover much of the resort. The blaze destroyed almost the entire complex, according to local reports. Approximately 1,700 tourists were staying on site and were evacuated. A 46-year-old Italian tourist died from smoke inhalation while receiving hospital treatment after being transferred from the scene. A preliminary report from the national emergency services directorate (DAEH) recorded at least ten people receiving medical care, including other guests, visitors and several firefighters.

Portuguese tourists among the affected

Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) said on Saturday, June 20, that it was monitoring the situation with concern and was aware of eight Portuguese citizens at the resort, all in good health. By Sunday, the MNE confirmed that the number of affected Portuguese nationals had risen to 21, adding that the total could still change given the large guest population. The ministry stressed that all 21 are safe and have been relocated to other hotels.

All Portuguese citizens who need and request consular support will receive it through our honorary consul in the Dominican Republic, who is actively on the ground.

The Portuguese Embassy in Mexico City and the honorary consul are in contact with the affected nationals and are working to ensure they can return to Portugal under suitable conditions.

They are all in good health. The rehousing process is under way to ensure their return to Portugal under appropriate conditions.

Emergency response

Dominican authorities deployed 475 emergency responders, along with 22 fire trucks, 8 tanker trucks, 2 helicopters and 10 ambulances, to fight the blaze and assist victims. Displaced guests were moved to neighbouring properties, including the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, which is adjacent to the burned resort and remains operational, as well as other hotels in Bayahibe and Miches. On Sunday, officials were working to organise flights and travel documents for foreign tourists needing to return home.

Cause unknown

The origin of the fire remains unclear. Dominican authorities have opened an investigation. The resort’s extensive use of thatched roofing, typical of the region’s tropical design, has been cited as a factor in the fire’s rapid advance. No further findings have been disclosed.