Photo: A section of the Dominican Resort Hotel engulfed in fire
A 46-year-old Italian woman has died and nearly 1,700 tourists were evacuated following a massive fire that engulfed a beachfront resort hotel in Bayahibe, a popular tourist destination in the Dominican Republic.
Local emergency authorities confirmed on Friday that the victim, identified as Francesca Valentino, was killed in the blaze at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel.
According to the DAEH emergency service, three people were taken to medical facilities for treatment, while six others, including hotel guests, visitors and emergency responders, received medical attention at the scene.
Videos circulated by local media showed thick black smoke rising above the Caribbean coastline as flames rapidly spread through sections of the resort, including its straw-roofed structures.
The country’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) said preliminary findings suggested the fire spread quickly due to the highly flammable palm materials used in parts of the roof, combined with strong wind conditions.
Emergency officials successfully evacuated nearly 1,700 tourists from the hotel as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. The fire was later brought under control, although investigations into its cause remain ongoing.
Guests affected by the incident were relocated to nearby hotels. Authorities confirmed that the nearby Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, which belongs to the same hotel chain, was not damaged by the fire.
The COE assured visitors that tourism activities in Bayahibe and surrounding areas remain unaffected and are continuing normally.
Bayahibe is one of the Dominican Republic’s most popular beach destinations, known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. The Caribbean nation remains the region’s leading tourist destination, attracting about 5.6 million visitors during the first five months of the year.
