3 engineering staff dead at sewage treatment plant of Davao hotel

DAVAO CITY — Three male members of the engineering team of Dusit Thani Residence in Davao City died inside its sewage treatment plant on Tuesday, October 6.

The Davao City Fire District (DCFD) said it received a report of a gas leak at the establishment at around 2 a.m. and deployed its Special Rescue Force (BFP-SRF) because the incident involved hazardous materials.

Dusit Thani Residence Davao released a statement saying the incident occurred while the team members were carrying out maintenance work at the property’s lifting station.

Fire Senior Inspector Frances Marie Sendrijas, DCFD spokesperson, said the three victims, one engineer and two maintenance staff, were already inside the sewage treatment plant when responders conducted retrieval operations.

She said their air monitoring device recorded 50 parts per million (ppm) of carbon monoxide in the area, which she described as quite high, adding that prolonged exposure could lead to dizziness or suffocation.

“Nag-ventilate muna yung responders natin. After ventilation, the first victim was retrieved by Central 911 (Urban Search and Rescue) USAR,” she said during the Davao City Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Maria Teresita Gaspan, spokesperson of the Davao City Police, said a thorough investigation is ongoing, including efforts to determine the cause of death of the victims.

“Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng Davao City Police Office. Hinihintay natin ang autopsy result para ma-determine natin ang cause of death,” she said.

Dusit Thani Residence Davao expressed its profound sadness and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, saying it remains in contact with them as it provides full support.

“We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities in their investigation. While the investigation is ongoing, we will not speculate on the cause. Further investigation will be shared once the facts have been confirmed,” the Dusit Thani Residence Davao said.

The grieving families, meanwhile, took to social media, saying they want answers and clarification regarding the incident.