A fire at an all-inclusive resort on the Dominican Republic’s south-eastern coast killed one woman and forced the evacuation of almost 1,700 guests on Friday. The victim was Francesca Valentino, 46, an Italian national from Caserta, who died after inhaling smoke on the beach where she had taken refuge with other tourists.

Dominican emergency services (DAEH) said three people were taken to medical facilities and six others were treated at the scene for respiratory distress, palpitations and minor burns. The affected included guests, visitors and emergency responders. Valentino collapsed after being overcome by a wave of smoke and was transported by private car to a hospital in La Romana, where she died. The Italian embassy confirmed her husband was being offered consular support.

The country’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) stated the fire spread rapidly because sections of the hotel’s roof were made of highly flammable palm thatch, and that wind conditions accelerated the flames. The exact cause remains unknown. Eyewitness accounts quoted in Italian and Argentine media describe a lack of audible alarms and suggest the blaze may have been triggered by maintenance work, but Dominican authorities have not confirmed any ignition source and say a technical commission will investigate once emergency operations end.

Guests were moved to nearby hotels, including the adjacent Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace, which was undamaged. Italian diplomats assisted an estimated 285 nationals staying at the resort or in linked accommodations, issuing emergency travel documents and arranging repatriation flights. Argentine officials said their citizens were safe and accounted for. The COE said tourism activities in Bayahibe continue as normal. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, the franchisor, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The fire was brought under control after several hours.