Fire at Dominican Republic Resort Kills One Guest and Injures Nine; 1,700 Evacuated

A fire at the Viva Dominicus Bayahibe resort in the Dominican Republic killed Italian holidaymaker Francesca Valentino, 46, on Friday. m. local time and spread rapidly through the resort’s palm-thatched roofs, driven by strong winds.

Nine people were injured. Three required hospital treatment and six received care at the scene. Emergency crews later brought the fire under control, and authorities have opened a formal inquiry into its cause.

Approximately 1,700 guests were evacuated. Resort staff directed visitors to safety zones and a neighboring beach while flames consumed multiple buildings. Video shared online showed thick black smoke rising above the complex and guests standing in the ocean as the fire advanced.

Guest Haley Priest, who was awakened by fire alarms, said staff cleared every room even when some were not in immediate danger. ” An onlooker posted on social media that fire trucks were on site but that the blaze exceeded available equipment and required larger units. The resort markets itself as an all-inclusive Caribbean destination on its website.