A woman lost her life and nearly 1,700 tourists had to be evacuated following a major fire at a hotel complex in the resort town of Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, local authorities said Friday.
The victim, Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian national, died in the fire that struck the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach hotel.
According to Dominican emergency services, three people were transported to medical facilities while six others received treatment at the scene. Those affected included hotel guests, visitors, and first responders who responded to the incident.
Images broadcast by local media showed thick plumes of smoke rising over the Caribbean coastline as flames ravaged part of the thatched roof of the tourist complex.
The country's Emergency Operations Center explained that the fire spread rapidly due to the highly flammable nature of the materials used for some sections of the roof, including palm leaves, combined with windy weather conditions.
Authorities have indicated that the fire has finally been brought under control. However, an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the blaze.
The evacuated tourists were relocated to nearby establishments. The Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace hotel, belonging to the same chain, sustained no damage.
The Wyndham Hotels & Resorts group did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.
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