A massive fire tore through the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel in Bayahibe, a four-star resort on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, on Friday, killing one woman and forcing the evacuation of nearly 1,700 tourists, authorities said.

The victim was identified as 46-year-old Italian Francesca Valentino, according to the DAEH emergency service. Three people were taken to medical facilities, and six others received treatment on site.

The flames almost completely destroyed the hotel. Initial observations indicated the fire spread rapidly due to the thatched roof and wind conditions. Drone footage showed plumes of dark smoke billowing over the white sand coastline as multiple straw-roof structures burned.

Fire officials have contained the blaze, and an investigation into the cause is underway. The hotel franchise has not yet issued a statement.

Source: www.dw.com