The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a 90-day preventive suspension of the driver’s license of the motorist involved in a fatal crash at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Sunday.
According to LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II, a show cause order has also been sent to both the driver and the registered owner of the SUV. They are required to appear before the LTO to explain the circumstances of the incident.
The crash, which happened earlier in the day, involved a black Ford Everest that barreled through the outer railing and onto the pedestrian walkway near Terminal 1’s departure area. A male adult and a young girl tragically lost their lives, while several others were injured.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed the driver is now in police custody. Initial police reports said the driver panicked when another vehicle cut in front of him, accidentally stepping on the accelerator instead of the brakes.
The LTO has launched its own investigation to further determine what led to the accident.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) ensured hospitals were ready to receive victims. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said DOH-run facilities will accept all casualties as directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Two patients have already received emergency care and are being moved to another private hospital for further treatment, supported by the DOH’s Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients program.