Massive fire destroys resort in Dominican Republic and forces evacuation of almost 1,700 tourists

A security guard walks past fire-damaged structures at the Viva Dominicus Beach hotel in Bayahibe, La Altagracia province, Dominican Republic, on July 20, 2026, following a fire. An Italian tourist died on June 19 after inhaling smoke from a large fire at a hotel in the resort town of Bayahibe, southeastern Dominican Republic, an official told AFP. Erickson Polanco | Afp | Getty Images Dominican authorities on Saturday were working to ensure that foreign tourists caught up in a massive fire that almost completely destroyed a luxury resort the day before could return to their home countries. The blaze at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe — a popular destination for U.S. and international tourists on the Dominican Republic's southeastern coast — forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 tourists and caused the death of an Italian national, authorities said. "Unfortunately, they lost their identity documents, including their passports," said Amanda Santana, a hotel executive. "We have been coordinating with the embassies and governments of those countries to facilitate the entry of those guests." Hotel management officials said they are working with the police to expedite the filing of reports online for guests who need them. They added that tourists have been relocated to hotels in Punta Cana and Bayahibe. General Manuel Méndez, director of the country's Emergency Operations Center, said authorities were investigating the cause of the Italian woman's death. …