Italian tourist killed in Dominican Republic beach resort fire

Fire ravaged a popular luxury beach resort Friday, June 19, in the Dominican Republic and killed at least one tourist.

The large fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, about 85 miles east of Santo Domingo, led to the evacuation of nearly 1,700 tourists to nearby hotels.

Three people were taken to ​medical facilities and six others were treated at the scene, ⁠the DAEH emergency ​service said in a statement to Reuters. Those affected included guests, visitors and emergency responders.

Francesca Valentino, 46, of Caserta, Italy, was killed. She had lived for several years in Bayahibe, where she met her husband. She had returned to visit and had joined tourists gathered on the beach when the fire broke out. She lost consciousness from smoke inhalation and later died, the Italian newspaper La Stampa reported.

Dark plumes of smoke could be seen above the resort compound along the Caribbean coastline. Flames overwhelmed the thatched roofs of a main building and numerous smaller ones.

The fire was brought under control and is under investigation. "Preliminary observations indicate that the fire spread rapidly due to the flammable nature ​of parts of the roof structures made of palm, as ​well as wind conditions," the country's Emergency Operations Center (COE) said.

The COE and "various regional fire departments contained the fire," Wyndham Hotels and Resorts said in a statement to USA TODAY. "Hotel teams safely evacuated guests and staff. However, we are saddened that one guest perished, and we send our thoughts to the family while we await autopsy results to determine the cause. At this time the hotel, which is independently owned and operated, is closed and will remain so until further notice."

⁠The nearby Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, also part of the chain, which has about 8,400 hotels, did not sustain any damage.

"Tourist activities ​in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remain unaffected ​and ⁠continue to take place safely and as normal," COE added.

Famous for its clear water and white sand beaches, the Dominican Republic ⁠is the ​Caribbean's top tourist destination, attracting about ​5.6 million visitors in the first five months of this year.

9. Koh Rong, Cambodia With little development and boat access to the island, Koh Rong feels quiet and laidback. The beach offers something for everyone, from offshore coral reefs to secluded coves and sections shaded by tropical greenery.

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3. Wharton Beach, Australia This remote coastline in western Australia is a stark contrast from the country's more famous beaches, such as Bondi Beach, but just as beautiful. Soft white sand, clear waters and excellent surf draw beachgoers to this vast beach.

1. Entalula Beach, Philippines The Filipino island of Palawan is home to the best beach in the world for 2026. Entalula Beach is remarkable for its white sand and turquoise waters that are surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. It's quite off the beaten path being only accessible by boat, so it feels like it's all yours when you're there.

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See the world's best beaches in 2026, from Thailand to Australia

Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fire at Dominican Republic beach resort kills Italian tourist