Fire at Dominican Republic resort kills Italian tourist, injures nine
A blaze at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe killed 46-year-old Italian visitor Francesca Valentino and left at least nine others injured, prompting evacuation of nearly 1,700 tourists.
A fire broke out Friday at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, killing 46-year-old Italian tourist Francesca Valentino. The Dominican Republic's Directorate of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Services said nine people were treated for injuries, with three transferred to off-site medical facilities.
Local authorities evacuated about 1,690 tourists from the resort town, and guests were relocated to nearby properties, including the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, which was not damaged.
"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," a Reuters report quoted officials as saying.
The Emergency Operations Center added that tourist activities in Bayahibe and surrounding areas continue as normal. Aerial footage showed smoke plumes over the beach, and drones were seen spraying water on the charred structures.