SUV driver involved in NAIA crash that killed two now charged by police
The SUV driver who caused the crash at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and killed two individuals has now been charged by police.
NAIA Police Station 1 stated that the driver has undergone inquest proceedings and is being charged with reckless imprudence resulting in two counts of homicide, multiple physical injuries, and damage to property, per ABS-CBN News.
This comes after he unintentionally crashed the black SUV he was driving into the passenger entrance of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. The incident caused the death of two individuals—a male adult and a five-year-old girl.
Four others were also injured and treated afterward.
The Land Transportation Office stated that the driver was leaving the departure area after sending off a passenger when a sedan suddenly passed in front of him.
"This sent him to a panic and instead of the brakes, he stepped on the gas pedal," the agency said.
While investigations are still ongoing, the Department of Transportation said that there was "no premeditated plan to inflict harm" in the incident, as "initial review of the CCTV footage showed the driver of the SUV dropping off a passenger."
"The DOTr, together with the Manila International Airport Authority and law enforcement agencies, is conducting a full and impartial investigation, including reviewing all CCTV footage, and subjecting the driver to a drug test," they added.
Apart from the charges, the driver is also facing a 90-day suspension on his license pending investigation.
In an interview with The Philippine STAR, the aunt of the four-year-old kid who died from the crash said that her father is still in shock after the accident.
"‘Yung father sobrang tuliro pa din, hindi makausap nang maayos. Ayaw din kumain. Iyak pa din ng iyak. ‘Yung asawa naman niya ay naging critical kahapon internal bleeding sa spleen. Naoperahan na siya. Dahil sa condition niya, hindi pa namin masabi na wala na ’yung anak niya," she said.
NNIC president Ramon S. Ang assured that he will personally shoulder the medical expenses of the four individuals injured and provide financial assistance to the families of the two who died in the incident.
"This is a very tragic incident. Our priority now is to make sure the victims and their families receive the support and care they need," he said.
Similarly, the DOTr urged the public to respect the victims’ families and avoid sharing photos or videos of the incident on social media.
