Italian tourist dies in hotel fire in Dominican Republic; 1,690 guests evacuated

Emergency services in the Dominican Republic evacuated nearly 1,700 guests from a hotel in the eastern tourist town of Bayahibe on Friday following a significant fire. The blaze occurred at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach hotel in La Altagracia province. Firefighters and emergency crews responded to the situation early in the morning. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by a technical commission. While initially no injuries or fatalities were reported, Dominican authorities later confirmed the death of Italian citizen Franchezca Valentino, who was receiving medical attention after being affected by the fire. Preliminary reports suggest she suffered from smoke inhalation. At least 10 people, including guests, visitors, and emergency personnel, required medical assistance for symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, nausea, and general weakness, likely associated with smoke and heat exposure. Tourist activities in Bayahibe are reportedly continuing normally as assessments proceed.

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As part of the actions to protect life and the safety of people, approximately 1,690 guests from the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach hotel were evacuated, and they have been relocated to nearby hotels and other facilities enabled to guarantee their well-being.