NAIA Terminal 1 accident tragedy: 5-year-old girl, man killed in SUV crash
The NAIA Terminal 1 accident turned a regular Sunday morning into tragedy when an SUV accidentally slammed into the entrance and exit that killing 2 people, including a five-year-old girl, and injuring others. The accident happened just before 9 a.m. on May 4, 2025, at one of the country’s busiest transport hubs, drawing an immediate response from authorities and emergency teams.
Outside the terminal, tourists and send-off groups were waiting in the walkway when the black Ford Everest SUV abruptly sped past the outside metal barriers. A tremendous collision, shouts, and chaos, according to witnesses. The Philippine Red Cross sent 18 rescuers and five ambulances promptly to aid the victims, and the airport operator confirmed that the driver is currently being held by the police.
NAIA Terminal 1 accident killed 5 years 5-year-old and 29 years 29-year-old man
Killed on the spot were a 29-year-old man and a young girl who was at the airport to send off her father, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), on his flight. Four other people were rushed to San Juan de Dios Hospital with injuries ranging from minor to serious.
Leo Gonzales was identified by the authorities as the driver. In his first statement, he claimed that he pressed the accelerator instead of the brake because he was in a panic when another car allegedly passed in front of him. CCTV footage from the airport, however, is said to contradict this claim. The SUV appears to rush toward the gathering in the footage before any other vehicles pass.
Although there isn’t any evidence of a purposeful act at this time, the investigation is still ongoing, according to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, who visited the crash scene soon after the occurrence. “This was very tragic. According to the father of the 5-year-old who was killed, his family was supposed to only send him off as he is an OFW (overseas Filipino worker),” Dizon said in a briefing.
He added that the Department of Transportation, in coordination with airport authorities and law enforcement, is reviewing the full CCTV footage. The driver is also set to undergo mandatory drug testing. Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office has suspended the driver’s license for 90 days and issued a show-cause order to both him and the vehicle’s owner.
In a statement, NAIA’s private operator, New NAIA Infra Corp., vowed to provide full assistance to the victims and their families, including hospital expenses and other support.
As video clips of the incident continue to spread across social media, Dizon urged the public to avoid sharing graphic images out of respect for those affected. “Let’s show compassion and wait for official updates from the proper channels,” he said.
The NAIA Terminal 1 accident has sparked wider concerns about road safety within and around airport premises. In response, Secretary Dizon announced the formation of a special task force that will review current road safety rules and the licensing process for drivers. The group, composed of the DOTR, LTO, and LTFRB, is expected to roll out stricter measures in the coming weeks.
This NAIA Terminal 1 accident tragic event comes just ahead of what should have been a normal day for thousands of travelers. But for the families of the victims, it has become a painful reminder of how one mistake can lead to devastating consequences.
Image: Philippine Red Cross
