A British tourist has died in a fire at a resort in the Dominican Republic, prompting the Foreign Office to order a safety review of all British-run hotels in the country. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the five-star Caribbean Paradise complex in Punta Cana, claimed the life of a 34-year-old woman from Manchester. Emergency services extinguished the fire within two hours, but not before smoke inhalation caused her death, according to local authorities.
The Foreign Office confirmed the death and stated that its consular team is providing support to the victim’s family. “We are in contact with the Dominican authorities and the resort management to establish the facts,” a spokesperson said. The safety review will focus on fire prevention measures, including sprinkler systems, alarm protocols, and staff training across properties that cater to British tourists.
The Dominican Republic, a popular Caribbean destination for British holidaymakers, has experienced several hotel fires in recent years. In 2020, a fire at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana killed two Canadian tourists and injured several others. The British government’s decision to launch a review reflects mounting concern over safety standards in the region’s tourism sector.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder that safety standards in overseas hotels can vary enormously,” said a travel safety analyst. “The British market is a lucrative one for the Dominican Republic, and a coordinated review is a necessary step to reassure consumers.” The review will be conducted by the Foreign Office in conjunction with the Association of British Travel Agents, which represents tour operators. Its findings are expected within three months.
The resort, which has not commented on the incident, remains closed for investigations. Local prosecutors have opened a probe into the cause of the fire, though early reports suggest an electrical fault. The victim’s name has not been released pending formal identification.
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in the global hospitality industry, particularly in regions with less rigorous fire codes. For British tourists, the review may lead to updated travel advice and tighter industry regulations. For now, the Foreign Office urges all British nationals in the Dominican Republic to familiarise themselves with local emergency procedures.
