Why did NAIA ceiling collapse? Probe underway after 7 hurt on Good Friday
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Authorities will launch an investigation into the ceiling collapse at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1’s arrival extension area that injured seven people on Good Friday.
Officials are seeking to determine the cause and prevent a repeat incident.
Initial reports from airport personnel said the collapse occurred at around 10:43 a.m. on Friday, April 3, where several passengers were seated near the affected area.
READ: 7 hurt as Naia terminal 1 ceiling collapses on Good Friday
Johnmark Florendo, a rental agent at NAIA, told the Inquirer in a phone interview that he saw about seven individuals, including a senior citizen, sustain injuries when part of the ceiling gave way.
“They were sitting on the chairs opposite the collapsed section,” he said, speaking in Filipino.
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In a statement sent to the Inquirer, New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) General Manager Lito Alvarez confirmed that seven individuals were hurt but have since received medical attention and are in stable condition.
“We are extending all necessary assistance to those affected. The safety and well-being of passengers, airport workers, and visitors remain our top priority,” Alvarez said.
The private operator added that the affected area was immediately secured and cordoned off, while its engineering team inspected adjacent sections and declared them safe for continued operations.
DOTr orders probe
Following the incident, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) directed the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to coordinate with NNIC.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Banoy Lopez instructed both agencies to ensure passenger safety and submit a detailed report explaining the cause of the collapse.
“The DOTr expects a thorough investigation and the immediate implementation of measures to prevent similar incidents,” the agency said.
Cause still unclear
As of writing, the exact cause of the ceiling collapse remains undetermined.
NNIC said its internal investigation is ongoing, with engineers assessing structural conditions and coordinating with relevant authorities. The company will take appropriate action based on the findings.
Despite the incident, airport operations at NAIA Terminal 1 continued without disruption, according to authorities.
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