Brit tells of horror after fire ravaged tourist-filled resort – killing one woman and seeing 1,700 holidaymakers displaced

British holidaymakers have described scenes of panic following a devastating fire at a tourist-packed resort in the Dominican Republic, killing one woman and displacing nearly 1,700 guests.

‘A shocking morning. A Brit wrote that there wasn’t much left of Viva Dominicus Beach Resort after fire engulfed the complex.

“The fire, which broke out at the reception, quickly spread to the bungalows next to the infinity pool, then to both the buffet restaurants, the main pool, the square and several bungalows towards the Palace,” he wrote online.

‘Still burning six hours later.’

A massive fire broke out Friday at the $350-a-night resort in Bayahibe, a popular destination for Western tourists, forcing hundreds of guests to flee as thick black smoke shrouded parts of the complex.

Shocking footage showed huge plumes of smoke rising into the sky as flames ripped through what appeared to be at least a dozen buildings in the resort.

Dominican emergency officials confirmed that Italian reality TV star Francesca Valentino, 46, died in the fire.

While three people were taken to health facilities, six people, including guests, visitors and emergency response teams, were treated at the scene.

Approximately 1,700 tourists were stranded in the Dominican Republic due to their passports being burned. Tourists on the beach were seen in front of the fire

Francesca Valentino was photographed with her husband in a Facebook photo. He died in a fire at the holiday village.

Many holidaymakers escaped unharmed but lost their passports, money and personal belongings in the inferno.

One social media user wrote: ‘So sad! 1,700 guests with no luggage, no passport, no money.’

Another added: ‘So sad to see people dragging their luggage down to the beach, at least they got out and no one was hurt.’

Another comment read: ‘It’s quite scary how quickly a fire can spread through a hotel property.’

Another tourist said: ‘Every time I look at the roofs made of leaves, I wonder how long it would take to get out of here if there was a fire.’

Officials said that the facility was operating at 84 percent capacity when the fire broke out.

According to the Dominican Republic Emergency Operations Center, the fire spread quickly due to the flammable nature of palm tree-covered roofs and windy conditions.

Hotel manager Amanda Santana said some tourists had lost their identification documents, including their passports, and authorities were coordinating with embassies to help affected visitors return home.

Many guests have since moved to Bayahibe and other hotels in Punta Cana.

The fire has since been brought under control, but investigators are still working to determine what caused the fire and the exact circumstances surrounding Valentino’s death.

The Dominican Republic Emergency Operations Center said tourist activities in Bayahibe and surrounding areas continue normally.

An FCDO spokesman said: ‘We are in contact with local authorities and stand ready to provide consular assistance to all affected British nationals.’