Fire at the luxury resort in Dominican Republic leaves tourists dead

In a statement to local media, emergency services DAEH said a 46-year-old Italian tourist died, three people were sent to the medical facilities, and six others were treated at the scene.

The images of the drive show how widespread the fire was, with buildings including Viva Enddham Dominicus Beach in fire Bayahibe and thick black smoke rising into the air.

It is not yet known what caused the early morning fire, but an initial investigation found that the flames spread quickly due to wind conditions and the flammable nature of straw roofs on several buildings, reports the BBC, broadcast Klankosova.tv.

The country's (COE) Emergency Operations Centre said the fire was put under control and guests had moved to other hotels.

She added that tourist activities in the city and surrounding areas have not been affected and can continue normally.

Italian news agency Ansa reported that the Italian ambassador to the Dominican Republic met with the late woman's husband at the hospital she was sent to. The embassy is helping about 285 Italian tourists standing at the resort or nearby, issuing emergency passports to those whose travel documents were destroyed in the fire and organising flights home.

Bayahibe, a popular tourist city on the Caribbean coast, is known for its clear blue waters and sandy beaches.