Guests at a high-end hotel in the Dominican Republic were left stranded following a devastating fire last Friday, which resulted in the destruction of their passports and other essential travel documents. The Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham evacuated nearly 1,700 guests last week after a shocking inferno that tragically claimed the life of one holidaymaker.
Efforts are now underway by hotel staff at the affected luxury resort to assist the stranded guests who lost their identity documents, including passports, in the blaze. Amanda Santana, a hotel executive, mentioned that they are working closely with embassies and governments to facilitate the reentry of these guests.
Collaborating with local authorities, hotel staff are diligently working to provide support to those in need and help the stranded guests obtain necessary paperwork to return home safely. The exact number of evacuees who lost their travel documents or belongings during the fire remains unclear.
Emergency responders were alerted to the fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel, an independently owned establishment, where an Italian holidaymaker and reality TV star lost her life, and several others were hospitalized for treatment. Additional guests, visitors, and emergency personnel received medical attention at the scene.
Following the tragic incident, Viva by Wyndham expressed condolences for the loss and confirmed the closure of the hotel until further notice. Hundreds of tourists have been relocated to nearby accommodations after the fire, with footage showing thick smoke engulfing the resort’s thatched roof as firefighters battled the flames.
Preliminary findings from the Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Centre indicated that the fire spread rapidly due to strong winds and the flammable palm roofing used in parts of the complex. The Caribbean nation, a top tourist destination, welcomed over 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of this year.
Located in a once peaceful fishing village, the hotel has transformed into a bustling tourist hub while retaining its serene charm. Recent renovations by Viva have enhanced communal spaces and dining options, maintaining a shared setting with its sister property, Dominicus Beach, along the seafront.
Social media posts highlighted the challenges faced by emergency crews in tackling the massive blaze, calling for additional support to extinguish the fire completely. Users shared videos of the intense fire, emphasizing the need for more advanced firefighting equipment.
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