A large fire swept through a beachfront resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, leaving one woman dead and prompting the evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests and employees.
The rapidly spreading blaze erupted at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel, sending thick columns of black smoke into the sky above the Caribbean shoreline.
Footage from the scene showed intense flames moving across thatched roofs and parts of the hotel complex as smoke engulfed the area.
Authorities identified the woman who died as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian national.
Three people were transported to medical centers in Bayahibe, while six others received treatment at the scene, according to the Dominican Republic’s pre-hospital emergency directorate.
Officials said early findings suggest the fire was fueled by palm-based roof structures and worsened by unfavorable weather conditions.
“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,” the Dominican Emergency Operations Center (COE) said.
“Tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remain unaffected and continue to take place safely and as normal,” COE added.
The Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, part of the same chain, did not sustain any damage.
Bayahibe is a popular destination for U.S. and international tourists on the Dominican Republic’s southeastern coast.
Wyndham Hotels did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
With Post wires
