A 46-year-old Italian woman was killed and nearly 1,700 tourists were evacuated after a major fire broke out at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in the Dominican Republic resort town of Bayahibe, authorities said on June 19.
The victim was identified as Francesca Valentino. Emergency services said three people were hospitalized, while six others, including guests, visitors and emergency responders, were treated at the scene, CNN reports.
Videos shared by local media showed thick smoke rising above the Caribbean coastline as flames engulfed parts of the resort's palm-thatched roof.
“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 country's Emergency Operations Center (COE) said.
The fire was later brought under control, though its cause remains under investigation. Guests were relocated to nearby hotels, while the neighboring Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace was not damaged.
“Tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remain unaffected and continue to take place safely and as normal,” the COE said.
By Sabina Mammadli
