NAIA SUV crash kills 2; driver suspended

Ramon S. Ang, the new President of NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), has committed to providing quick aid to the victims of the vehicle accident that occurred earlier today on NAIA Terminal 1's departure level.

Ang stated that he would personally shoulder the medical bills of the four injured parties and offer financial support to the families of the two fatalities in the tragedy while the investigation is still underway.

"This is a truly awful incident. Our top priority right now is to ensure that the victims and their families get the support and care they require," Ang added.

According to initial reports, the SUV was parked close to the terminal entrance when it suddenly accelerated, causing it to crash through the outer fence and into the walkway. The motorist is currently in police custody.

NNIC is cooperating closely with law enforcement and remains committed to supporting all current investigations and response activities. To the families of the deceased, the whole NAIA private operator management sends its sincerest condolences. It also wishes a fast recovery to the injured victims of the said incident.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) confirmed this afternoon that they have preventively suspended the driver's license for 90 days due to the fatal accident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.

According to LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, the agency also issued a show-cause order against the driver's registered owner, requesting that he turn in his driver's license as soon as possible.

"First and foremost, I want to express my sincere condolences to the families of the two people who lost their lives in this terrible catastrophe. This is very tragic news because one of our fellow OFWs' children was among the dead," Asec Mendoza said.

"As part of our investigation, we have already issued an SCO requesting that the driver and the registered owner come to our office and explain the incident," the LTO chief said.

Based on the report received by the LTO, at approximately 8 a.m. today, the black Ford Everest (Plate No. DCB-3411) collided with the west departure curbside area. The incident injured several individuals.

The driver informed police that he was going to leave the departure area after dropping off a passenger when a vehicle unexpectedly passed in front of him. This caused him to panic, and instead of using the brakes, he stepped on the gas pedal. As a result, two individuals were killed, and four others were severely injured.

Transport Secretary Vince Dizon immediately went to the scene to check on the victims' condition, and he also stated that he will leave the investigation to the police.

Asec Mendoza disclosed that, while the driver has already provided a statement, they will also conduct an investigation into all of the circumstances surrounding the terrible accident.