Guests of a high-end hotel in the Dominican Republic are facing a difficult situation following a fire incident that destroyed their passports and other essential travel documents last Friday. Approximately 1,700 individuals were evacuated from the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham due to the blaze, which also claimed the life of one holidaymaker.
In response to the crisis, hotel staff at the affected luxury resort are actively assisting the stranded guests who lost their identity papers, including passports, in the fire. Amanda Santana, a hotel executive, mentioned that they are collaborating with embassies and governments to facilitate the reentry process for these guests.
Efforts are underway by hotel personnel, along with law enforcement and local authorities, to support those in need and secure the necessary documentation for the stranded guests to return home. The exact number of evacuees who lost their travel documents or belongings in the fire remains unknown.
Last Friday, emergency services were alerted to a fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel, an independently owned establishment, resulting in the tragic death of an Italian vacationer and reality TV personality, Francesca Valentino. Additional individuals were hospitalized for treatment, while others received medical attention on-site.
Following the incident, hundreds of tourists were relocated to nearby accommodations as the hotel remains closed until further notice. The fire, fueled by strong winds and flammable palm roofing, caused significant damage to the resort, as depicted in distressing media footage showing thick smoke engulfing the area.
The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Centre (COE) reported that the rapid spread of the fire was exacerbated by the environmental conditions and construction materials used in the complex. Known as a popular tourist destination, the Dominican Republic welcomed over 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of this year.
Situated in a once serene fishing village turned bustling tourist hub, the hotel underwent extensive renovations in recent years, enhancing its amenities while sharing facilities with its sister property, Dominicus Beach. The community expressed concerns on social media about the magnitude of the fire and the challenges faced by emergency responders in containing it.
Residents highlighted the need for additional support to fully extinguish the blaze, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the fire and the efforts required to combat it effectively. The hotel’s closure and the ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire have left many questions unanswered, while condolences were extended to the family of the deceased guest by Viva by Wyndham representatives.