MANILA — A black SUV crashed through the outer barriers of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Sunday morning, May 4, killing two individuals—including a four-year-old girl—and injuring three others.

According to initial police reports, the vehicle—a Ford Everest—suddenly accelerated and slammed into the pedestrian walkway near the terminal’s departure entrance around 5:30 a.m. Witnesses said the victims had been waiting in line to enter the terminal when the incident occurred.

The injured were rushed to San Juan de Dios Hospital for immediate treatment. Authorities have yet to release their names, pending notification of families.

The driver, who reportedly just dropped off a passenger before losing control of the vehicle, is now in police custody. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon stated that early findings, including CCTV footage, suggest the crash was accidental. However, a full investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause.

Emergency personnel from the Philippine Red Cross arrived swiftly at the scene, deploying five ambulances and 18 volunteers. Airport operations were briefly disrupted but have since resumed under heightened security measures.

San Miguel Corporation, the private operator of NAIA, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged to shoulder both medical and funeral expenses.

“We are coordinating with authorities and will ensure that affected families receive full support,” the company said in a statement.

CCTV footage of the incident has circulated on social media, sparking public concern over pedestrian safety and traffic management in high-traffic areas such as airports.

📹 Raoul Esperas