SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) – A significant fire devastated a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, leading to the urgent evacuation of nearly 1,700 tourists, according to local authorities.

The blaze engulfed the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort, situated in Bayahibe, a well-known locale for both U.S. and international visitors on the island's southeastern coast. Local media outlets reported that an Italian tourist was killed in the incident, with several others requiring medical attention due to the fire's rapid escalation.

Authorities confirmed that approximately 1,690 tourists were evacuated from the resort and relocated to other hotels and nearby accommodations to ensure their safety. The fire's intensity was exacerbated by windy conditions and the fact that part of the resort's roof was constructed from thatch, raising concerns about fire safety at similar establishments.

The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation by local officials, who are examining the circumstances surrounding the outbreak. Despite the extensive damage at the Viva Dominicus Beach resort, its adjacent counterpart, the Dominicus Palace, remained unscathed and continued its normal operations throughout the crisis.

This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns for tourists in popular destinations and emphasizes the need for robust emergency response plans in high-traffic tourist areas. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release further details that could shed light on fire safety protocols within the resort industry.