Additional Coverage:
- Massive fire erupts at popular resort for US vacationers as thick smoke billows into sky (themirror.com)
A fire erupted Friday at the Viva Dominicus Bayahíbe resort in La Altagracia province, located in the eastern Dominican Republic, prompting a swift response from emergency crews. Thick smoke and visible flames were seen billowing from one section of the hotel, as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
Photos and videos shared on social media captured heavy smoke rising above the resort, which sits in a popular Caribbean tourist area that once was a quiet fishing village. Local reports indicate that both hotel staff and guests were evacuated, with some being moved to safe zones nearby, including the adjacent beach.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the fire or reported any injuries. The full extent of the damage remains unclear as firefighting efforts continued into the afternoon. Officials are closely monitoring the situation and are expected to provide further updates once an assessment is complete.
The Viva Dominicus Bayahíbe hotel recently underwent significant renovations, improving its common areas and dining options. It shares amenities with its sister property, Dominicus Beach, together forming a key part of the beachfront in the Dominicus area.
Social media users have expressed concerns that the fire’s intensity has surpassed the capacity of initial emergency responders, calling for additional support with more powerful equipment to fully extinguish the flames.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Readers are encouraged to stay tuned for the latest reports on this incident.