FIRE AT DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HOTEL LEAVES TOURISTS WITHOUT PASSPORTS

Nearly 1,700 guests were evacuated from Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach in the Dominican Republic following a fire on Friday that destroyed passports and travel documents. One guest died in the blaze, and three others received hospital treatment. Six additional people, including guests, visitors and emergency responders, were treated at the scene. Hotel staff are now coordinating with embassies and governments to help those stranded obtain replacement travel documents needed to return home.

Amanda Santana, a hotel executive, stated that guests lost identity documents including passports in the fire. The number of evacuees who lost travel documents remains unclear. Hotel staff are working alongside police and local authorities to assist those affected. Hundreds of tourists have been relocated to nearby hotels and alternative lodgings following the incident. Viva by Wyndham released a statement expressing condolences to the family of the deceased guest and noting the hotel would remain closed pending investigation.

The hotel is independently owned and operated by Viva by Wyndham. Emergency crews responded to reports of the fire on Friday. Autopsy results are pending to determine the cause of death. The resort stated that all guests and staff were safely evacuated during the incident.