Bangkok: A fire broke out at a beachfront hotel in the Dominican Republic, resulting in the evacuation of nearly 1,700 tourists from the popular resort town of Bayahibe. The blaze occurred at the Viva Wyndham Dominica Beach hotel, claiming the life of a 46-year-old Italian female tourist.

According to Thai News Agency, nine individuals, including both hotel guests and rescue workers, sustained injuries and suffered from smoke inhalation. Local media captured footage of thick black smoke rising over the Caribbean coastline as flames consumed the resort's thatched roof. The emergency operations center revealed that the fire spread rapidly due to the roof's flammable palm leaves and the presence of strong winds.

The fire has now been controlled, and an investigation is currently underway to determine its cause. In the aftermath, all guests have been relocated to nearby hotels for their safety. The sister hotel, Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, was reported to be undamaged by the incident.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, which operates over 8,400 hotels globally, has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. Authorities have reassured that tourism activities in the surrounding areas remain unaffected and continue to operate. The Dominican Republic, recognized as the Caribbean's leading tourist destination, has already welcomed 5.6 million visitors in the first five months of this year.