MANILA (5th UPDATE) — Several people have been reported injured after an SUV rammed into the departure entrance area at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Sunday morning.

According to the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Unit, the driver of a black Ford Everest who had just sent a passenger off crashed into the west departure curbside area after “a sedan suddenly passed in front of him, causing him to forget to transfer his foot to the brake pedal.”

The driver is in police custody for investigation.

Meanwhile, the Departure West Passenger Entrance-1 at NAIA Terminal 1 was reopened at 12noon on Sunday and is now accessible to passengers.

The area had been temporarily closed following the crash.

CASUALTIES

According to an incident report by NAIA Police Station 1, two people died in the incident: a 29-year-old man and a four-year-old girl.

The Philippine Red Cross, which sent five ambulances and a team of volunteers to NAIA earlier said it had tallied two casualties of the same description. 

Three others injured in the incident have been brought to San Juan De Dios Hospital in Pasay City:

• Cynthia Masunson
• Edith Soriano
• Jovita Escarlos

AREA CLOSED OFF BY PNP, AIRPORT SECURITY

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon is already at NAIA Terminal 1 to check on the incident.

In a release, operator New NAIA Infra Corp. said that, according to initial reports, the vehicle crashed through the outer railing at the departure area and into the walkway near the entrance.

It said the area has been secured and access has been restricted to NNIC personnel, the Philippine National Police and airport security.

“Individuals who sustained injuries are now currently being treated. The driver involved in the incident is now in the custody of the PNP,” it also said.

“We understand the concern this incident has caused, especially as images have circulated on social media,” it said as it urged the public to wait for verified updates on the situation at NAIA Terminal 1.