A huge fire has broken out at a popular tourist resort in the Dominican Republic, sending panicked families running for their lives.
Shocking footage showed smoke billowing from a section of the Viva Dominicus Bayahibe resort in La Altagracia on Friday.
Emergency services raced to the tourist hotspot, which is operated by Wyndham Resorts, as the flames spiraled out of control.
First responders said fire crews were deployed quickly to contain the inferno.
Authorities said they were working to contain the flames to the area, fearing it could spread to nearby structures in the resort, according to Dominican Today.
One witness said on social media that firefighters were struggling to extinguish the fires.
'Although fire trucks are already on the scene, the magnitude of the blaze exceeds the available equipment and greater support is required with higher-impact units to fully extinguish it,' they wrote.
The cause of the fire and extent of the damage is currently unclear.
A huge fire broke out at the Viva Dominicus Bayahibe resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday
Shocking footage showed smoke billowing from the resort as panicked tourists ran for their lives
Emergency services raced to the tourist hotspot as the fires grew out of control
Video shows flames raging through what appears to be a thatched roof on top of the hotel.
Fire crews can be seen dousing the building with water, but the hosepipe is measly by comparison to the structure.
Dozens of witnesses gathered around to watch the ensuing carnage as the hotel burned.
Hotel staff and tourists were forced to evacuate the building.
Several people were escorted to safe zones in the area, including a nearby beach.
It's unclear whether there were any injuries, and anyone is still trapped inside.
The resort is a popular destination for American tourists, who often share picturesque tropical photos of their trips to the island across social media.
The resort is a popular destination for American tourists, who often share picturesque tropical photos of their trips to the island across social media
The hotel is described on its website as an 'all-inclusive paradise' where 'the sun and moon set the stage for nonstop fun', surrounded by 'pristine white sands'.
It offers a variety of entertainment, from restaurants and live music to sports like pickleball, paddleboarding and trapeze lessons.
The resort spills out onto the beach, complete with a large pool close to the sand.