A woman was killed and nearly 1,700 tourists were evacuated after a major fire broke out at a beachfront hotel in the Dominican Republic's popular resort town of Bayahibe, local authorities said on Friday.
The victim was identified by the DAEH emergency service as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old woman from Italy, news agency Reuters reported.
According to authorities, three people were taken to hospitals, while six others received treatment at the scene. Those affected included hotel guests, visitors and emergency responders.
Videos shared by local media showed thick black smoke rising over the Caribbean coastline as flames spread across the resort's straw-covered roof.
The fire broke out at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel, a well-known resort in Bayahibe.
The country's Emergency Operations Center (COE) said, "Preliminary observations indicate that the fire spread rapidly due to the flammable nature of parts of the roof structures made of palm, as well as wind conditions."
Authorities said the blaze was eventually brought under control, but an investigation into its cause is ongoing.
Guests staying at the resort were moved to nearby hotels. Officials said the nearby Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, which belongs to the same hotel chain, was not affected by the fire.
The COE stressed that tourism activities in the area continue as normal.
"Tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remain unaffected and continue to take place safely and as normal," the agency said.
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