Woman Killed, Hundreds Evacuated in Dominican Republic Hotel Fire
An Italian woman died and nearly 1,700 tourists were evacuated after a fire broke out at a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic, officials said.
A massive fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, a popular resort town on the Dominican Republic's southeastern coast, erupted on Friday, authorities said. The blaze claimed the life of a 46-year-old Italian woman, identified as Francesca Valentino, according to the DAEH emergency service. The fire forced the evacuation of approximately 1,690 tourists, who were relocated to other hotels and nearby establishments. Three individuals were taken to medical facilities, and six others received on-site treatment. Firefighters managed to bring the flames under control, and an investigation into the cause is currently underway. Initial observations from the country's Emergency Operations Center indicated that the fire spread rapidly due to the resort's thatched roofing and windy conditions. Drone footage captured by local media showed thick plumes of dark smoke rising above the white sand coastline as multiple straw-roofed structures were engulfed in flames. No statement has been released by the hotel franchise at this time.
