20/06/2026 12:47 - Internacionales
Incendio nocturno en hotel resort caribeño con llamas consumiendo estructuras de madera y techos de paja, bomberos combatiendo el fuego, personas evacuando en medio del humo
A fire broke out on Friday, June 19, 2026 around 11:00 AM at the Viva Dominicus hotel in Bayahíbe, Dominican Republic, leaving one confirmed fatality. Authorities identified the victim as Franchezca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian tourist.
According to Dominican emergency services, the woman died while receiving medical attention at a hospital. Initial reports indicate she was overcome by smoke inhalation, one of the leading causes of death in fires of this magnitude.
The flames advanced with alarming speed through the resort's common areas. A major factor that contributed to the rapid spread was the presence of thatched roofs and wooden structures in several areas of the hotel—highly flammable materials that fueled the fire.
The premium zone with bungalows was completely destroyed, and hundreds of tourists had to be evacuated amid scenes of desperation and chaos.
Among the tourists staying at the resort were several families from Córdoba, Argentina—Argentina's second-largest city, located in the central region of the country. A family group of 11 people from Córdoba capital and Marcos Juárez (a smaller city in Córdoba province) was among the evacuees.
Many of them lost all their belongings, including passports and key documentation needed to return home. Some were unable to return to their rooms because they remained within high-risk zones.
The Argentine Embassy in the Dominican Republic intervened to expedite passport recovery procedures and assist those needing documentation to travel back home.
Although the fire was contained, several guests were left with only the clothes on their backs and had to be relocated to other hotels while the situation stabilizes.
Power and internet outages made communication with family members difficult and hindered real-time news updates.
The causes of the fire remain under investigation by Dominican authorities.
Bayahíbe is a popular tourist destination on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Viva Dominicus hotel is one of the most recognized resorts in the area.
Many Argentine travelers choose this destination because of direct flights from Córdoba that make access to this Caribbean paradise convenient and affordable.
Important Note for Travelers: When staying at resorts with traditional thatched-roof structures, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with emergency exits and evacuation routes upon arrival, as these materials can accelerate fire spread.
Sources: El Doce (Argentina)
Alfredo S. Quiroga
