A large fire almost destroyed a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, forcing the evacuation of almost 1,700 tourists, authorities said.
Local media reported an Italian tourist died in the fire and several other tourists required medical assistance.
Francesca Valentino, 46, died in the fire at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel, according to a statement from the country’s emergency service, the DAEH.
Three people were taken to hospital, while six others were treated at the scene. Those affected included hotel guests, visitors and emergency responders.
The Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort is located in Bayahibe, a popular destination for US and international tourists on the Dominican Republic’s southeastern coast.
Authorities reported about 1,690 tourists had to be evacuated from the resort to other hotels and nearby housing facilities because of the massive blaze.
The cause of the blaze was under investigation and the country’s Emergency Operations Center said it appeared the “fire spread rapidly” due to wind and because part of the resort’s roof was made of thatch.
Videos shared by local media showed thick plumes of black smoke rising above the Caribbean coastline as flames tore through the resort’s thatched roof.
Viva Wyndham’s other nearby resort, the Dominicus Palace, was not damaged by the fire and was operating as normal, the center said.
Tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area are reportedly unaffected.
Known for its crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches, the Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s most popular tourist destination, attracting around 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of the year.
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