ITALIAN WOMAN KILLED IN HOTEL FIRE AT DOMINICAN RESORT

SANTO DOMINGO, JUNE 20 /SRNA/ – An Italian female citizen was killed in a major fire at a hotel in the Dominican tourist resort of Bayahibe, while nearly 1,700 tourists were evacuated, CNN reported.

Forty-six-year-old Francesca Valentino died in the fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach hotel. Three people were transported to hospitals, while six others were treated at the scene, according to the Emergency Medical Services Directorate.

The fire affected hotel guests, visitors, and rescue teams.

The blaze has been brought under control, and guests have been relocated to nearby hotels.

The cause of the fire will be determined through an investigation, while tourism activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area are not expected to be disrupted, CNN reported.

Videos shared yesterday by local media showed thick clouds of smoke rising above the Caribbean coastline as flames engulfed the resort’s roof, which was constructed from palm leaves.

Known for its crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches, the Dominican Republic is the leading tourist destination in the Caribbean, having welcomed approximately 5.6 million visitors during the first five months of this year.