DOTr: Driver in fatal NAIA crash to undergo drug test

The driver of the SUV that crashed into the departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, which resulted in the death of two people, will be subjected to a drug test, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Sunday.

The DOTr said the drug test and the review of all CCTV footage of the incident will be part of its full and impartial investigation, along with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and law enforcement agencies. 

The agency, however, pointed out that the driver had “no premeditated plan” to harm the victims, based on initial assessment. 

“Initial review of the CCTV footage showed the driver of the SUV dropping off a passenger which indicates that there was no premeditated plan to inflict harm on the NAIA passengers but the investigation is still ongoing,” the DOTr said in a statement. 

The incident resulted in the death of a five-year-old child and a 29-year-old man, while four others sustained injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The DOTr has appealed to the public to respect the victims’ families, and avoid sharing photos or videos of the incident on social media. 

The Land Transportation Office (LTO), meanwhile, has preventively suspended for 90 days the driver’s license of the motorist behind the accident. 

A show cause order has also been issued by the LTO against the registered owner of the vehicle and the driver.

Citing a report, the LTO said the driver told the police that he was about to leave the departure area of NAIA after sending off a passenger when another vehicle suddenly passed in front of him.

“This sent him to panic and instead of the brakes, he stepped on the gas pedal. As a result, two people died and three others were injured,” the agency noted.

PH Transportation Safety Board

Following the fatal incident, Senator Grace Poe, who is the vice chairperson of the Senate public services committee, reiterated the call for the creation of a Philippine Transportation Safety Board.

“This will establish a sole agency in charge of investigating transportation-related accidents and incidents in air, land, and sea, including railways and pipeline systems,” she said. 

Poe also raised concerns about the safety of public roads, stressing that many accidents could be prevented or mitigated through proactive measures. —RF, GMA Integrated News