A fire broke out in the popular resort town of Bayahibe in the Dominican Republic, resulting in the death of a tourist and several injuries. One of the affected individuals, a 46-year-old Italian named Francesca Valentino, tragically died at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel, as reported by the Dominican Republic’s Directorate of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Services (DAEH).
The blaze injured at least nine other people, with three requiring medical attention at facilities away from the site. According to a statement from DAEH, the fire prompted authorities to evacuate 1,690 tourists from the area, news confirmed by The Associated Press citing local sources.
Drone footage captured extensive smoke rising from various beachside accommodations, casting shadows over the turquoise waters of the beach. The fire quickly spread due to flammable roof materials made of palm and prevailing windy conditions, a preliminary investigation revealed.
Aerial footage from June 19, 2026, shows smoke billowing at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe.
Guests were relocated to nearby accommodations, including the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, also managed by the same operators. The Palace remained undamaged, as per a Reuters report.
The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) assured that tourism activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding areas are continuing safely and without disruption.
Video footage from the scene shows a drone attempting to extinguish the fire by spraying water on burnt building sections as the smoldering continued.
Fox News Digital has reached out to DAEH, COE, and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts for further comments. Contributions to this report were made by The Associated Press.
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