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Hotel Fire Kills Italian Tourist, Evacuates 1,700 Guests

6/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

A fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe killed 46-year-old Italian tourist Francesca Valentino.
The blaze forced the evacuation of about 1,700 guests, with three hospitalized and six treated on site.
Officials said the fire spread quickly because the palm-thatched roof and strong winds fed the flames.
Nearby tourist activities continued while guests were relocated to hotels and the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace suffered no damage.

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Story summary

A fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe killed 46-year-old Italian tourist Francesca Valentino.
The blaze forced the evacuation of about 1,700 guests, with three hospitalized and six treated on site.
Officials said the fire spread quickly because the palm-thatched roof and strong winds fed the flames.
Nearby tourist activities continued while guests were relocated to hotels and the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace suffered no damage.