Overview
- A fast-moving blaze on Friday destroyed or severely damaged large parts of the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahíbe and forced about 1,700 guests to flee to beaches and nearby hotels.
- Authorities confirmed the death of 46-year-old Italian tourist Francesca Valentino after she suffered severe smoke and carbon monoxide inhalation following evacuation.
- Preliminary investigators say highly flammable palm or palapa construction and hot, windy conditions helped the fire spread rapidly from the hotel reception area.
- More than 100 Argentine nationals lost passports and belongings and Argentina’s Foreign Ministry and its embassy are issuing emergency travel documents and coordinating temporary lodging and returns.
- Guests criticized the hotel’s emergency response, saying alarms and contingency plans were lacking, and officials have opened inquiries that could examine building materials, fire alarms and staff procedures.