At least one tourist dead after massive fire nearly destroys Caribbean resort; 1,690 evacuated
At least one Italian tourist died and many people were injured after a massive fire. Dominican Republic resort town Bayahibe Cuma.
According to the Dominican Republic’s Directorate of Non-Hospital Emergency Services (DAEH), the deceased, 46-year-old Italian citizen Francesca Valentino, died at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in the resort.
At least nine people were treated for injuries, three of whom were taken to off-site medical centers, DAEH said in a statement.
Authorities evacuated 1,690 tourists from the popular holiday destination, Associated Press reported, citing local officials.
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In this screenshot from social media video, a drone footage shows a fire breaking out at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic, on June 19, 2026.
(Reuters)
aerial video flame Smoke rising from many buildings along the beach, large clouds of gray smoke were seen casting dark shadows on the turquoise waters of the beach.
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Authorities said, “preliminary observations show that the fire spread rapidly due to the flammable nature of the palm tree parts of the roof structures and wind conditions.” According to Reuters.
In this screenshot from social media video, a drone footage shows a fire breaking out at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic, on June 19, 2026.
Guests moved to other locations hotelsAs is the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, a nearby hotel run by the same operators as the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel. According to Reuters, the Palace did not suffer any damage.
Police officers operate following a fire at the Viva Dominicus resort in Bayahibe, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic, June 19, 2026, this photo is from a social media video.
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The Dominican Republic Emergency Operations Center (COE) also said, “Tourist activities in and around Bayahibe remain unaffected and continue to occur safely and normally.” he said.
In the post-incident video, a drone can be seen spraying water on burnt and destroyed building blocks while the structures continue to burn.
Fox News Digital contacted DAEH, COE and Wyndham Hotels and resorts for additional comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Original article source: At least one tourist has died following a massive fire that nearly destroyed a Caribbean resort; 1,690 people were evacuated
