A massive fire at a resort in the Dominican Republic has sadly claimed the life of an Italian reality star. According to the Daily Mail, Francesca Valentino has died apparently as a result if the fiery incident. Per the outlet, "...[T]he cause of death of Italian reality TV star Francesca Valentino has been revealed, with officials confirming she died from carbon monoxide poisoning in the blaze." An Italian news agency, ANSA, reportedly stated that Valentino became unconscious when she allegedly inhaled lots of smoke as she headed for the beach in an effort to escape the fire. She was 46 years old.
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Guests Anxiously Fled for Their Lives and Tried To Take Their Belongings
The disaster at the Viva Dominicus Beach Resort was seemingly catastrophic in size. Photos depict enormous clouds of black smoke rising above high the resort's buildings. Panicked guests were "struggling with huge suitcases and bags on the beach as they attempt[ed] to escape" with what they brought with them. It appeared that the fire engulfed about dozen buildings at the posh paradise.
The medical toll was one death, plus some others who needed medical attention. "Three people were taken to medical facilities while six others, including guests, visitors and emergency responders, were treated at the scene," according to the outlet.
Fortunately, most people were able to escape the flames. Nevertheless, they lost precious items in the commotion such as money and their passports.
Nearly 1,700 Resort Guests Were Evacuated
Per Diario Libre, 1,690 guests of the resort were safely evacuated and put up at other hotels. Among those who were re-situated as a result of the calamity were 21 babies, a well as 177 youngsters. That was noted Juan Manuel Mendez, who is the Emergency Operations Center's director.
Tourist activities elsewhere in the area are reportedly going on as usual.
What caused the huge, deadly inferno has not yet been determined. According to the outlet, "a technical commission" will probe that once all the pertinent information has been gathered. Undoubtedly, many of those who were directly affected, as well as many who were not, are eager to learn what might have sparked such a destructive, terrifying fire.
