A British tourist is feared dead after a catastrophic fire ripped through a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours, has left at least one Briton unaccounted for, with local emergency services scrambling to confirm casualties.
Sources on the ground suggest the fire started on the ground floor of the five-star complex, quickly spreading due to high winds. Panicked guests fled in nightwear, some reportedly jumping from balconies. The missing tourist, a man in his 30s, was last seen near the epicentre of the flames.
Dominican authorities have yet to officially release a death toll. The British Foreign Office confirmed it is “urgently liaising” with local police and providing consular support. A family liaison officer has been dispatched.
This is a developing story with numbers expected to rise. The resort, popular with package holidaymakers, has been cordoned off. Witnesses describe scenes of chaos: screaming, smoke, and the wail of sirens.
The political angle? Whitehall will be watching. Any delay in repatriation or evidence of lax safety standards will spark a diplomatic row. The Dominican Republic relies on British tourism. A loose end in the investigation and Labour will demand answers.
We will update as more emerges. For now, one family waits. And the Westminster machine turns its eye towards the Caribbean.
