A tragic fire at the Viva Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, has resulted in the loss of one life and left several others in need of medical attention. The incident occurred on Friday, June 19, during a busy morning at the resort, which prompted the evacuation of over 100 guests, including many families with young children.
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Sara Calabria, a 27-year-old employee at the resort and sister of soccer player Davide Calabria, took to social media the day following the emergency to recount the harrowing experience. Her detailed account of the chaos that unfolded speaks to the human cost of the disaster and the emotional toll it has taken on those involved.
Calabria highlighted how guests anxiously sought to retrieve personal belongings during the evacuation. Despite the perilous circumstances, she poignantly emphasised that the safety of life significantly outweighs the value of material possessions. “In moments like this, you truly understand how important things are,” she stated. She expressed deep sorrow over the destruction of what she considered both her workplace and a second home.
The fire, which has since been reported to have resulted in the death of Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old from Caserta, Italy, has drawn attention to the safety protocols in place at the resort. Valentino suffered severe smoke inhalation and was transported to a health facility in La Romana, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Nine other individuals required medical assistance following the incident, highlighting the serious implications of the fire.
Calabria’s reflections included gratitude for the outpouring of concern from the community, as she assured followers that the staff would continue offering support to those affected. Additionally, she shared harrowing video footage documenting the intensity of the blaze, which engulfed several sections of the hotel. Social media posts showed flames leaping from the structure, accompanied by thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky.
The hotel management issued a statement confirming that local authorities responded swiftly to contain the fire and stated that all guests and staff were safely evacuated. However, the hotel has now closed its operations, pending further investigation into the incident. “At this time, the hotel, which is independently owned and operated, is closed and will remain so until further notice,” the statement read.
Initial investigations by the Emergency Operations Centre (COE) indicated that the fire spread rapidly, attributed to the flammable materials used in part of the hotel’s roofing and prevailing wind conditions. The precise cause of the fire is still under scrutiny, as local authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, COE Director Juan Manuel Méndez reported that evacuated guests, including 177 children and 21 infants, were relocated to nearby hotels where they were assessed for further care. This situation underscores the importance of emergency preparedness in tourist accommodations, particularly in regions prone to disasters.
In the wake of this grim event, there has been a renewed focus on safety measures at resorts across the Caribbean, drawing attention to the need for robust fire safety regulations and quick-response protocols to mitigate risks for guests and staff alike.
While the aftermath of this fire remains a source of deep anguish for those affected, the response from the local community and emergency services has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring safety and support in times of crisis. The loss of life serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of safety in holiday environments and the enduring impact such events can have on individuals, families, and communities.