A TV star has been killed in a fire which engulfed a popular hotel in the Dominican Republic. Around 1,700 guests were evacuated from the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach hotel in the southeastern resort of Bayahíbe. Italian TV star Francesca Valentino died in the fire just two months before turning 46.

She appeared on a number of TV shows in Italy, including Mollo Tutto e Cambio Vita (I’m quitting everything and changing my life) which aired on Sky Uno. On the show, she announced to viewers her plans to move to the Dominican Republic. However, La Repubblica reported that she was only at the resort on holiday, and was still living in Italy.

The fire has since been brought under control, with helicopters being brought in to help stop the flames.

Three people were taken to medical centres, while another six were treated on site.

The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) said: ”Tourist activities in Bayahibe and the surrounding area remain unaffected and continue to take place safely and as normal.’

Director Juan Manuel Mendez added: ‘The causes that caused the fire remain under investigation, and it will be the relevant technical commission in charge of establishing them once the emergency and evaluation work on site are completed.’

A spokesperson for Wyndham Hotels and Resorts said the property had been closed until further notice.

They said in a statement: "Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel experienced a fire yesterday. The Emergency Operations Centre (COE), in conjunction with various regional fire departments, contained the fire. Hotel teams safely evacuated guests and staff.

"However, we are saddened that one guest perished, and we send our thoughts to the family while we await autopsy results to determine the cause.

"At this time, the hotel, which is independently owned and operated, is closed and will remain so until further notice."