Italian tourist dies after inhaling carbon monoxide during Dominican resort fire; 285 evacuated
An Italian woman died from carbon monoxide poisoning after a fire at a Dominican resort forced the evacuation of 285 Italian guests. The Italian foreign ministry and its Santo Domingo embassy are coordinating repatriation flights for those affected.
Fire and evacuation
A fire broke out at the Bravo Viva Dominicus Beach resort near Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, on 19 June 2026. Flames affected common areas of the structure, prompting the immediate evacuation of all guests. According to the Italian foreign ministry, 285 Italian tourists were staying at the resort, booked through tour operator Alpitour. Additional Italian nationals were present at linked facilities that were not affected by the blaze. All tourists were safely evacuated, and initially no injuries were reported among Italian guests.
The fire affected some common areas of the structure and all guests have been made safe.
Fatality
Later on 19 June, authorities in Santo Domingo confirmed the death of an Italian citizen. The woman, identified by the initials F.V., was on the beach with other evacuees when a wave of smoke from the fire engulfed the area. She suffered a respiratory crisis and lost consciousness after inhaling carbon monoxide. She was transported to hospital by private car but did not survive. No other deaths or injuries linked directly or indirectly to the fire have been recorded so far, and checks are continuing.
The woman lost consciousness after inhaling carbon monoxide when a wave of smoke from the burning site hit her.
The Italian ambassador met the woman’s husband at the hospital and offered the embassy’s assistance, together with resort staff who are looking after all the other Italians involved in the incident.
Italian diplomatic response
The Farnesina, Italy’s foreign ministry, dispatched its ambassador to Santo Domingo, Sergio Maffettone, and embassy officials to the resort. They are coordinating emergency assistance, verifying the conditions of Italian nationals, and working with resort management. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is monitoring the response. An emergency unit has been activated to issue travel documents to Italians who lost their passports during the evacuation.
Repatriation flights
A flight already scheduled for 19 June departed from the Dominican Republic to Verona with about 130 passengers. A second flight is planned for 20 June, carrying another 80 Italian citizens. The embassy continues to support the return of all involved.
- Fire breaks out at Bravo Viva Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahibe; all guests evacuated, including 285 Italians.
- Italian tourist F.V. loses consciousness on the beach after inhaling carbon monoxide during evacuation.
- Authorities confirm death of the Italian woman; ambassador meets husband at hospital.
- First repatriation flight with approximately 130 passengers departs for Verona.
- Second repatriation flight scheduled to depart with 80 passengers.
Dominican government actions
The Dominican government sent the head of the civil protection agency and two ministers to the disaster site. Operational meetings were held with the Italian embassy and resort managers to ensure assistance throughout the emergency. Checks for further victims remain ongoing.
