Davao Hotel Workers Deaths: Carbon Monoxide Found at Dusit Site
Three hotel engineering staff died during maintenance at a Davao City hotel on October 5. Fire officials detected carbon monoxide, but the cause of death is not yet confirmed.
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The Davao hotel workers deaths on October 5, 2026 involved three members of the engineering team at Dusit Thani Residence Davao in Lanang, who died during maintenance work in an enclosed facility. Fire officials detected carbon monoxide at the site, but they and the police stress that the cause of death has not been confirmed while autopsy results are awaited. Here is what has been reported so far.
What Happened
According to SunStar Davao, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) received a report of a possible gas leak at about 2:36 a.m. on Monday, October 5. Responders from Davao City Central 911 and the Sasa Fire Station went first, and the BFP team arrived in the early morning. Different outlets give slightly different arrival times, between about 3:25 and 3:35 a.m.
The three workers were found inside a confined area that the BFP describes as the hotel's sewage treatment facility and the hotel calls a lifting station. SunStar reported that the retrieval operation ended at about 5:09 a.m.
What Officials Say About Carbon Monoxide
During air monitoring, responders recorded carbon monoxide at 50 parts per million, according to SunStar. Fire Senior Inspector Frances Marie Sendrijas, speaking at a briefing on Wednesday, said carbon monoxide exposure is among the primary suspected causes, as the Daily Tribune reported. She also cautioned that the gas's presence does not by itself prove it caused the deaths.
The Davao City Police Office said the investigation is ongoing and that authorities are waiting for autopsy results. SunStar reported that the families initially suspected electrocution and are seeking answers. Police have not issued an official finding on the cause.
The Hotel's Response
Hotel management confirmed the deaths and said emergency responders were called immediately. It said it would not speculate on the cause and is cooperating fully with authorities, according to reports. The affected area has been secured, similar maintenance work has been suspended pending a full review, and the hotel says it is supporting the families.
Is Davao Safe for Guests?
Nothing in the reports suggests risk to hotel guests; the incident was in a restricted utility area. Guests with questions can ask the hotel directly. For general travel planning, see our Davao safety guide and hotels near Davao airport.
Why Confined Spaces Are Dangerous
Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless, and prolonged exposure can cause dizziness or suffocation, as officials noted. Enclosed utility spaces can also hold other hazardous gases or lack oxygen, which is why responders used monitoring equipment and breathing precautions before going in. Workers and employers can consult the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on confined-space safety rules.
What Happens Next
Pending are the autopsy results, the continuing BFP and police investigations, and the hotel's internal review. We will not draw conclusions before authorities do. Follow our news section for verified updates.
Sources
- SunStar Davao: BFP detects carbon monoxide in site where 3 hotel staff died
- Daily Tribune: 3 maintenance workers die at Davao hotel
- Manila Bulletin: 3 employees found dead in hotel sewage treatment plant
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the cause of death been confirmed?
No. As of October 7, the BFP and police said the cause was undetermined and autopsy results were pending.
Where did the incident happen?
At Dusit Thani Residence Davao in the Lanang area of Davao City, inside an enclosed utility facility.
Were hotel guests affected?
The reports do not mention any guests being affected. The deaths involved three hotel engineering staff.
