MANILA – Two casualties and several injuries were reported after a sport utility vehicle rammed into the passenger entrance of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1’s departure area on Sunday morning.
According to Department of Transportation secretary Vince Dizon, a five-year old girl sending off her father who is working abroad was among those killed after a Ford Everest crashed through the outer railing and into the walkway near the terminal entrance.
Individuals who sustained injuries from the incident are currently being treated at the San Juan de Dios hospital in Pasay City, he added.
According to Leo Gonzales, the driver of the Ford Everest, he had parked the vehicle after dropping off a passenger but panicked when another vehicle crossed his path, prompting him to brake.
However, instead of applying the brakes, he accidentally pressed the accelerator, causing the SUV to speed forward, collide with the outer railing, and enter the walkway near the terminal entrance where it struck several pedestrians.
The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said in a separate statement the area has since been secured, and access is now limited to authorized personnel from NNIC, Philippine National Police, and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Security.
“At this time, we are awaiting official confirmation on the cause of the incident and reports of injuries. We are closely coordinating with all concerned agencies to gather accurate information,” NNIC said in a news release.
“We understand the concern this incident has caused, especially as images have circulated on social media. We urge the public not to speculate and to wait for verified updates, which will be issued as soon as they become available,” it added./PN
