The cause of the devastating fire that destroyed a large part of the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahibe remains undetermined, as confirmed by Dominican authorities on Saturday, June 20.
The director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), Juan Manuel Méndez García, indicated that the cause of the fire is still under investigation and that a technical committee will be responsible for clarifying it.
What is known is that the fire spread with extreme speed, fueled by very strong winds and by the palm thatch roofs that covered a large part of the common areas of the complex.
That material is traditional in Caribbean architecture. It is often used in the construction of large outdoor structures and beach umbrellas, but it is highly flammable, which is why its use is prohibited in urban areas with high population density.
Authorities are investigating the death of an Italian tourist
The incident claimed the life of Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian tourist who died from smoke inhalation after being transferred to a healthcare facility in La Romana.
The Dominican Association of Tourist Press reported that Valentino had assisted in the evacuation of other guests before being attended to. Authorities confirmed that they will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Nine other people were injured in the fire. Three were hospitalized and six received medical attention at the scene.
Around 1,690 guests had to be urgently evacuated from the complex, which was operating at 84% occupancy at that time.
What does the chain responsible for the resort say?
The company Viva Resorts by Wyndham issued an official statement clarifying that the hotel "is independently owned and operated" and will remain closed until further notice.
"We deeply regret the passing of one of our guests and send our condolences and support to their family as we await the results of the autopsy to determine the cause. All other guests and staff were safely evacuated."
Many of the evacuated tourists lost their documents in the fire. Amanda Santana, the hotel executive, explained: "Unfortunately, they lost their identity documents, including their passports. They have been coordinating with the embassies and the governments of those countries for the entry of those guests."
Dominican authorities relocated those affected to hotels in Punta Cana and Bayahibe while coordinating with embassies and foreign governments for the return of tourists to their home countries.
The neighboring hotel, Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, suffered no damage and continued to operate normally, just like the tourist activities in the Bayahibe area in general, according to the director of the COE.
Investigations into the origin of the fire are still ongoing, and it isexpected that the appointed technical commission will determine both the cause of the blaze and the factors that contributed to its rapid spread, including the construction materials and the existing preventive measures in the complex.
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