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A massive fire almost completely destroyed a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, forcing the evacuation of nearly 1,700 holidaymakers, authorities said.
Local media reported that an Italian tourist had died as a result of the blaze and said several other guests required medical attention. News of the death was later confirmed by local authorities to the Italian embassy.
The woman is believed to have suffered a respiratory crisis after rushing out of the resort to the beach, Italian news agency ANSA reported.
According to initial accounts, she lost consciousness after a wave of smoke from the burning site engulfed her. At the hospital, the ambassador met the woman’s husband.
An investigation is ongoing
The Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort is located in Bayahibe, a popular destination for US and other international tourists on the south-eastern coast of the Dominican Republic.
The authorities said around 1,690 guests were evacuated from the resort and moved to other hotels and nearby accommodation as emergency crews tackled the fire.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation, but the country’s Emergency Operations Centre said it appeared that “the flames spread rapidly” because of the wind and the resort’s partially thatched roof.
The other nearby Viva Wyndham resort, the Dominicus Palace, was not damaged by the fire and continued to operate as normal, the centre said.
Police posted a video on social media showing the aftermath of the blaze. Several buildings were completely destroyed. “The situation is under control,” the post said.
Video footage of the blaze circulating on social media shows huge plumes of black smoke engulfing the resort as it burns.