Tragedy at NAIA Terminal 1 in MANILA | SUV Crash Kills 2, Including 4-Year-Old Girl
Photo Credit: ABS CBN New and Raoul Esperas
Tragedy struck at NAIA Terminal 1 early on Sunday May 4th, 2025 when a black SUV crashed into the departure area, claiming the lives of a man and a four-year-old girl, and leaving four others injured.
The crash happened around 8:50 a.m., just outside the terminal, where passengers and their families were gathered. According to authorities, the vehicle plowed through the outer railing and struck passengers waiting outside the terminal. The victims, many of whom were likely saying goodbye to loved ones or just arriving for their flights, had no time to react. The aftermath was devastating. Photos and videos showed emergency responders rushing to assist, while shaken onlookers tried to make sense of what had just happened.
The SUV rammed through a protective railing and into the pedestrian walkway, creating a scene of panic and devastation. First responders rushed to the area while shocked onlookers tried to process the horror unfolding in front of them.
The driver has since been detained, and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended their license for 90 days pending investigation. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the incident was caused by human error, a vehicle malfunction, or something more deliberate.
In a move that many are calling compassionate but overdue, Ramon Ang, President of New NAIA Infra Corp., pledged to cover the medical costs of those injured and offer financial assistance to the victims’ families. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon visited the site and offered his condolences, vowing a full investigation.
For overseas Filipinos and frequent flyers, NAIA is a place layered with emotion, filled with teary farewells, reunions, and tightly held balikbayan boxes. This accident transforms it, for many, into a symbol of how quickly joy can turn into grief.
Airport officials have secured the area and are working closely with police to uncover the full story behind the accident and vowed to prevent anything like this from happening again.