An 85-year-old well-wisher was among eight people injured when a ceiling panel gave way at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Good Friday morning, raising fresh safety concerns at the country’s main international gateway.
The New NAIA Infra Corp. confirmed the collapse occurred at 10:43 a.m. at the West Arrival Curb C, an outdoor area just outside the passenger terminal building. The eight victims included six well-wishers and two transport solicitors.
All injured persons received immediate medical attention and were declared out of danger, according to the NNIC. One victim, who sustained a forehead injury, separately requested to be brought to Makati Medical Center.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo, who chairs the Senate committee on public services, called on the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to take a more active role in upholding safety standards at airports across the country. He stressed the need for both a prompt response and adequate assistance for those who were hurt.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez directed the Manila International Airport Authority and the NNIC to safeguard passengers and airport personnel and to produce a detailed report on what caused the incident. “The DOTr is closely monitoring the situation and expects a thorough assessment of the incident, including the implementation of necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Lopez said. He also committed to keeping Tulfo informed as findings emerge.
The NNIC has since cordoned off the accident site, with the DOTr reporting that terminal operations have otherwise returned to normal. The agency said it has called in the ceiling contractor for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
