A 46-year-old Italian woman has died and nearly 1,700 tourists have been evacuated after a major fire swept through a beachfront resort in the Dominican Republic.
Authorities identified the victim as Francesca Valentino, an Italian national who was staying at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in the popular resort town of Bayahibe.
Emergency officials confirmed that the blaze broke out at the hotel on Friday, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving firefighters, medical teams and emergency responders.
According to the DAEH emergency service, three people were taken to hospitals for treatment, while six others, including guests and emergency personnel, received medical attention at the scene.
Videos circulating on local media showed thick black smoke rising above the Caribbean coastline as flames engulfed large sections of the resort, including its distinctive straw-covered roofs.
The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) said preliminary findings suggest the fire spread quickly because of the highly flammable palm materials used in parts of the roofing, combined with strong winds.
“Preliminary observations indicate that the fire spread rapidly due to the flammable nature of parts of the roof structures made of palm, as well as wind conditions,” the agency said.
Emergency crews managed to bring the fire under control, although investigations into the exact cause are continuing.
All guests were safely evacuated from the affected property, with many relocated to nearby hotels.
Authorities confirmed that the neighboring Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, which belongs to the same hotel chain, was not damaged by the blaze.
The Emergency Operations Center stressed that tourism activities in Bayahibe and surrounding areas remain unaffected.
“Tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area continue to take place safely and as normal,” the agency said.
The hotel is part of the global Wyndham network, which franchises approximately 8,400 hotels around the world. The company had not issued an immediate statement following the incident.
Located on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Bayahibe is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and proximity to Saona Island, making it one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
The Dominican Republic remains the Caribbean’s leading tourism destination, having welcomed around 5.6 million visitors during the first five months of the year.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Francesca Valentino’s death as investigations continue.
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