Hotel fire in Ho Chi Minh City leaves two dead as guests lower themselves from upper floors

Guests trapped inside a Ho Chi Minh City hotel tried to escape through balconies and the rooftop, with some lowering themselves by ropes as black smoke filled the upper floors. Two people died in the fire, while 26 others were brought out safely.

The fire broke out at about 5:09 a.m. on September 7 at the T.D. private hotel on Tân Kỳ Tân Quý Street in Tân Sơn Nhì Ward. Residents heard loud banging and screams from inside. Hương, a nearby shopkeeper, initially thought there had been a robbery or a fight, but then recognized the cries for help.

She called for assistance and stopped passing vehicles as residents and security guards brought hammers and crowbars to force open the hotel’s main door. Several people emerged with soot-covered faces and breathing difficulties. Residents gave them water and cold towels and provided initial first aid before medical workers arrived.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Fire Prevention, Firefighting and Rescue Police dispatched seven specialized vehicles and 48 officers from two local teams. Crews approached from stairways, emergency exits, balconies and the roof, while also using an aerial ladder to locate the fire and trapped guests. The blaze was fully extinguished at 5:17 a.m. Seven rescued people were taken for health checks, and all were reported stable without serious injuries. Police had cordoned off the hotel by late morning while investigators examined the scene and worked to determine the cause.

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I initially thought it was a robbery or a fight, but when I listened carefully, I realized the cries were coming from inside the hotel.