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Dominican Republic: Tourist dies after huge fire destroys luxury beach resort

Saturday, 20 June 2026 05:14

A woman has died and almost 1,700 tourists have been evacuated after a major fire tore through a luxury beach resort in the Dominican Republic.

The blaze broke out at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham in Bayahibe, on the country's southeastern coast, on Friday.

Authorities said Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian tourist, died in the fire.

Three people were taken to hospital and six others were treated at the scene, including guests, visitors and emergency responders.

Hundreds of tourists were moved to nearby hotels and accommodation as firefighters battled the blaze.

Video shared by local media showed thick black smoke billowing over the Caribbean coastline as flames engulfed large sections of the resort, including its thatched roof.

The Dominican Republic's Emergency Operations Centre (COE) said preliminary findings suggested the fire spread quickly because of strong winds and the flammable palm roofing used in parts of the complex.

The fire has since been brought under control, but an investigation into its cause is continuing.

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The neighbouring Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace resort was not damaged and remains open.

The COE said tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area were continuing as normal.

The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's most visited tourist destination, attracting more than 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of this year.

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: Dominican Republic: Tourist dies after huge fire destroys luxury beach resort

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