Hotel fire in Dominican beach resort kills 1, forces 1,700 out
What's new: Officials said palm roofing and wind helped the blaze spread quickly at the Bayahibe resort.
A fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, killed a 46-year-old Italian tourist and forced the evacuation of nearly 1,700 people, authorities said June 19. Emergency officials identified the victim as Francesca Valentino. Three people were taken to medical facilities and six others were treated at the scene, including guests, visitors and emergency responders. The country's Emergency Operations Center said the blaze spread rapidly because parts of the resort's roof were made of palm and winds fanned the flames. The fire was brought under control, and investigators are working to determine the cause. Guests were moved to nearby hotels, while the sister property Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace was not damaged.