Car accidents are a daily occurrence in the Philippines. And based on the data of the Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA, road-related deaths increased by 39% from 7,938 deaths in 2011 to 11,096 deaths in 2011.
In a report by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) it recorded that among the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, EDSA logged the most number of road accidents in 2024 with a total of 8,873 road accidents, while the C-5 Road ranked second with 8,675 vehicle mishaps.
Even some celebrities and social media influencers have also figured in terrifying car accidents that shocked and worried their fans.
Recently, Physician Krizzle Luna survived a car accident, while traversing Marcos Highway on January 20, 2023. A truck, which was reported to have lost its brakes, hit the TikTok content creator's pickup truck.
Fortunately, Doc Luna, who has more than 7 million followers on TikTok is on the road to recovery after the car mishap.
Meanwhile, seasoned TV and movie actor Eddie Gutierrez also lived to tell his harrowing tale of surviving a terrible car crash, which happened in 1979.
According to his wife Annabelle Rama, Eddie needed several operations due to his injuries.
Here are some of the celebrities who got into shocking car accidents and what we can learn from them to avoid similar situations.
Veteran TV and movie star Eddie Gutierrez will forever remember the year 1979 after surviving a car accident. In fact, Annabelle Rama described Eddie's car like a twisted pile of metal after the accident.
In an interview with 'The Buzz' in 2009, Annabelle recalled that Eddie underwent multiple operations because of the accident. She referred to the incident as a “miracle” that her husband lived to the tale.
She remembered, "Yung kotse ni Eddie at saka kotse ni Richard, pareho. Parang mga lata na lang sila. Pero si Eddie, grabe ang nangyari. Yung intestine niya, nag-rupture intestine. Pinutulan, dinugtong. Dito siya nagdudumi sa side. Then, after three months, inoperahan siya ulit.”
But who knew that 30 years later, the Gutierrez family would be facing the same situation, after Richard Gutierrez figured in his own shocking road accident.
Imagine the horrifying moment, when Eddie and Annabelle received the news that their son, Richard Gutierrez, who was 25 years old then, figured in a near-fatal car crash in May 2009.
According to reports, Richard was driving his Nissan Skyline GTR, when his vehicle crashed into a post on the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road in Silang, Cavite. Unfortunately, Richard's passenger Nomar Pardo, his assistant, was killed in the accident.
On November 19, 2001, Comedy King Dolphy and Alma Moreno's son Vandolph Quizon was involved in a near fatal car accident in Pangasinan .
The comedian-turned-politician suffered numerous injuries. In a report by PEP.Ph, Vandolph sustained deep wounds in his skull and right ear. Dolphy's son also suffered fractures in his arm and leg. The actor's then girlfriend, Desireé 'Ishi' Raquiza died in the hospital on December 4, 2001.
Vandolph is now happily married to Jenny and is a doting parent to their kids. In addition, he is also serving as a city councilor in the City of Parañaque.
One of the hottest leading men today is Sparkle star David Licauco. His role as Fidel in the hit series 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' catapulted him fame. The actor also experienced a car accident that profoundly affected him.
The cager-turned-actor told in an interview that the vehicular accident happened in 2013, when he and four other friends were driving back from Tagaytay. David survived the accident, unfortunately, his best friend didn't make it.
In February 2022, former matinee idol Diether Ocampo was driving his SUV in Makati City, when it hit a parked dump truck on the service road along Osmeña Highway.
In a statement, the Kapamilya actor clarified some details about his car mishap. Diether explained, “On February 3, 2022, I had a long and exhausting meeting which lasted until almost midnight. As I was driving home, I figured in a vehicular accident involving my SUV and a truck. I am relieved that no one else got hurt and I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused due to the unfortunate accident, especially to the other party.”
Physician and content creator Doc Luna (Krizzle Luna in real life) is used to treating her patients and giving medical advice to her more than 7 million followers on TikTok. But the popular social media influencer experienced a life-changing incident in January 2023. The pickup truck she was riding and that was traversing Marcos Highway in Baguio City was hit by a truck.
In her TikTok update on January 24, 2023, Doc Luna assured her fans that she's already undergoing therapy. She shared, “Isang good news na rin po nasimulan ko na po 'yung first day ng rehab ko, the earlier kasi, the better para mapaaga 'yung improvement natin.”
Doc Luna also discussed her spine operation to fix her injuries. “Magandang balita naman po naging successful po 'yung operasyon ni Doc Luna, na-align naman po 'yung aking spine, mahaba-habang rehab pa po. Hindi ko pa po masyado nagigi-grip 'yung kamay ko, wala pa po motor function, hindi ko pa po nagagalaw 'yung paa ko, pero so far malaki naman po 'yung improvement natin.”
Many were alarmed over the social media post of the wife of former 'Bubble Gang' cast member Jan Manual that he sustained injuries after a car accident. In a report by '24 Oras Weekend', Jamey Santiago-Manual shared that the car they were riding suddenly moved and hit a post.
She also mentioned the injuries Jan sustained. Jamey stated, “Chineck kung mero'n tama sa pinaka-brain. Maga 'yung brain niya, but thank God kasi nag-undergo lang siya ng minor surgery. Lubog po 'yung cheeks niya, kasi nga po ang lakas ng tama po dito [holds her face]. Tapos maga po 'yung right ear niya.”
In a recent update, Jamey informed the public that Jan also sustained fractures on his cheek bones due to the accident, but he got the clearance to go home from his doctor. According to her IG post, “3 days was quick for a brain trauma. That's a miracle, that's Jesus death and resurrection!
Actress-turned-nurse Kim delos Santos shared the harrowing tale of her car accident in her Instagram post on October 15, 2023.
According to Kim, she is doing fine but admitted that it was a “traumatic" experience.
“I can honestly say that God is good all the time. My third car accident in Houston, Tx. An 18 wheeler truck did this. I'm safe. A few pains here and there, plus trauma of the event but I'm still grateful.
“God you are truly amazing, I'm still safe.”
Many were worried after Sparkle diva Zephanie shared on Instagram that her family figured in a vehicular accident.
In her Instagram update on November 5, 2023, the Sparkle U: Frenemies actress recounted what happened to them and expressed her immense gratitude to God for keeping all of them safe.
Zephanie wrote, "Despite what happened to me and my family, I still praise God. It was a miracle that none of us got hurt badly. To all the people who helped and prayed for us, I thank God for your lives, you know who you are." She added,“Still in the process of healing emotionally and physically but it won't stop me from living life the best way possible. This is a testimony of how great our God is.”
'StarStruck' Season 5 Ultimate Female Survivor Sarah Lahbati is doing well, after she posted on Instagram Story in December 2023 that their car figured in a vehicular accident while traversing the Skyway.
In a statement, she said, “We were involved in an accident on the Skyway. Fortunately, all three cars involved avoided any casualties, and we are all okay.”
“I'm not sharing this story because this year has been the toughest of my life, yet I am reminded of God's goodness, His second chances, and His promises. Things could have been much worse, yet my family and I are alive and well.” Sarah added.
Many Pinoy fans of Former 'S.O.P.' cast member Jaya were worried after news broke out in February 2024 that Jaya figured in a car accident while heading to Regine Velasquez's concert in Graton Casino, California.
Based on Jaya's update on Instagram last February 19, the car they were riding was hit at the back.
She even showed the damages sustained by the black SUV.
Jaya assured everyone that she is doing fine. “I am doing ok but my friends are being checked and they will be alright, by God's grace. Thank you Jesus for sending us divine protection and covering us with your blood. It could've been super worse. I'm glad Doc and Auntie Merls are ok.
“Thank you Lord for making it another day. I am grateful for your mercy and grace. Praise your Holy name.”
The OPM singer also reminded everyone to wear seatbelts at all times.
“Please wear your seatbelts, AT ALL TIMES WHEN YOU ARE IN A VEHICLE, especially if you're a back seat passenger.”
In his Instagram post on June 4, 2024, former 'Super Ma'am' actor Andrew Gan recalled his near-death experience when was involved in a major car accident in 2020.
In the YouTube channel 'Drew's Charm,' Andrew talked about what happened when he was driving along Mexico, Pampanga.
He shared, “After 30 seconds, after namin mag-seatbelt, 'yung naka-idlip na siya uli, ayan na, diyan na nangyari 'yung accident. Nagsimula 'yun nalingat lang ako ng two seconds, two seconds lang ako nalingat tapos pagtingin ko nandun na pala ako sa may gutter. Dun sa NLEX sa Mexico, Pampanga nangyari to, e.”
“So ang nangyari nun kapag ang takbo mo is 80(km) pataas hindi ka puwede basta-basta kumabig, kasi once na ginawa mo 'yun talagang (makes swerve motion with his hand)."
The actor-model continued, “So, ganun nga ang nangyari. Ang hirap siyempre sa part ko, siyempre initial reaction. Kasi ang Mexico, Pampanga guys ano lang siya, two lanes lang siya pagdating dun sa area na 'yun. So from left, pag ganun ko, na-out of control 'yung sasakyan. Pag out of control, umikot kami ng tatlong beses.”
“Hindi ko pa siya napapanood, binigay lang sa akin 'yung video na galing dun sa dash cam. Then, 'yung pag-ikot ng tatlong beses bumagsak kami dun sa isang bangin. Kung makikita n'yo 'yung pictures talagang sino mag-aakala na masu-survive siya ng passenger ko [si Charm], kasi mas more on 'yung sirang side, 'yung basag na side niya, sa passenger seat.”
Former actress Bangs Garcia shared her reflection in January 2026, when she and her two children, Amelia and Isabella nearly figured in a road accident in the United Kingdom.
Posting her family photo with non-showbiz husband Lloydi Birchmore on Instagram, Bangs then recounted that their card skidded while traversing an icy road.
The celebrity mom recalled, “ This morning (January 8, 2026 post) was a reminder of how fragile life is. My car skidded on an icy road and nearly crashed whilst driving my girls to school.
“Not speeding. Not distracted. Just icy roads and a powerful reminder that God's hand is real and present. I thank God everyday for always protecting me and my family.”
'Unang Hirit' host Lyn Ching talked about the car accident that she experienced on January 22, 2025 while traversing the Katipunan area in Quezon City. In her seven-minute video, the Kapuso host recounted what happened to her vehicle, “Nandodoon ako pa U-Turn papuntang Miriam College sa Katipunan Area. Siguro may mga lima hanggang anim na kotse sa harap ko pa. Tapos, nagaantay lang ako ng green light, biglang boom! May bumangga kasi nag-accelerate 'yung kotse sa likod. Accelerate! Hindi lang bumitaw sa gas, accelerate talaga kaya napaganun (motions with her hand) 'yung kotse ko.
“I turned off my car, went down and locked the door, and went to her. As soon as I got to her, she went down and said, 'It's my fault, it's my fault, I'm so stressed out.'”
When they reached the police station, the one who hit Lyn Ching's car again immediately confessed that she was the one at fault.
“Dun din nakakatuwa 'yung ale,” Lyn remembered. “Pagkaupo dun sabi niya, 'it's my fault, it's my fault. It's clear it's my fault' gumanun siya. Like thank you for the honesty, pero of course kitang-kita rin naman.”
Aside from recounting her car accident, Lyn gave some helpful tips to her social media followers on how to drive safely to avoid any serious injury if an accident does happen.
The seasoned TV host shared her conversation with one of her children when she got home about driving safely.
Lyn told her anak, “I ˈm reiterating to you the things I told you before and these are the things that I know help me, escape more problems and pain. For example, pagkatumitigil ako, kunwari may traffic, 'pag tumitigil ako I make sure na laging nakikita ko 'yung bumper sa harap ko. 'Yung bumper ng kotse sa harap ko. Why? Kasi, kailangan meron kang space between you and the car in front of you. Why? Just in case, you want to go out or something like this happens to you na biglang may bumangga sa kotse mo ng pagkalakas-lakas.
“At least, hindi mo mababangga 'yung kotse sa harap mo.”