A major fire broke out at a famous resort in a beach tourist city of the Dominican Republic, killing one Italian female tourist, while authorities urgently evacuated nearly 1,700 guests amid a large black smoke cloud covering the Caribbean coastline.
On 19 June 2026 GMT+7, foreign news agencies reported a severe fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach hotel in Bayahibe city, La Altagracia province, a popular tourist destination in the eastern Dominican Republic.
Emergency services confirmed that 46-year-old Italian tourist Francesca Valentino died in the fire. At least nine others were injured, with three taken to hospital and six treated on site, including hotel guests, visitors, and rescue personnel.
Local media released video footage showing large black smoke rising above the Caribbean coastline as flames quickly engulfed the resort's thatched roof. The National Emergency Operations Center stated the fire spread rapidly because parts of the roof were made of easily flammable natural materials like palm leaves, combined with strong winds at the time. For safety, authorities ordered the evacuation of about 1,690 guests and tourists to nearby hotels and temporary shelters prepared for them.
Reports state that after firefighters controlled the blaze, investigations into the fire's cause are ongoing. The Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace hotel, part of the same group, was unharmed by the incident.
The Emergency Operations Center confirmed that tourism activities in Bayahibe and surrounding areas continue normally, with no impact on overall tourist safety.
The Dominican Republic is the top travel destination in the Caribbean region, having welcomed over 5.6 million tourists in the first five months of 2026.