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Huge Blaze Ravages Dominican Republic Beach Resort
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- A wildfire fueled by strong winds destroyed the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach hotel in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, rapidly consuming the resort's thatched palm-leaf roofs.
- Nearly 1,700 guests were evacuated safely, but an Italian tourist, Francesca Valentino, 45, died and is awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.
- Firefighters controlled the blaze after a 17-hour effort, and all guests were relocated to nearby hotels; the hotel remains closed pending further notice.
- Preliminary investigations suggest the fire spread quickly due to wind and the flammable nature of the thatched roofs, with technical investigations ongoing.
- Four emergency responders suffered heatstroke during the rescue but are recovering, and drone footage showed extensive damage to multiple buildings and surrounding areas.
