Hangar Collapses at an Idaho Airport
A hangar under construction on the grounds of the airport in Boise, Idaho, collapsed on Wednesday, resulting in three fatalities and injuring nine others, as confirmed by officials.
The city announced on Wednesday night that five individuals injured in the collapse at the Boise Airport are currently in critical condition.
Authorities were called to a privately owned hangar in Boise at around 5 p.m. The hangar, which had a steel frame, collapsed in a catastrophic manner, according to Boise Fire Department Operations Chief Aaron Hummel, who provided the information during an earlier news briefing. According to him, as of Wednesday evening, all individuals who had been at the site were accounted for. [1]
According to the city statement, the three individuals, who were killed, passed away at the scene. According to the report, fire crews responded quickly to stabilize the scene and successfully rescued multiple victims.
Leticia Ramirez, a spokesperson for Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, reported that emergency and trauma teams were collaborating with first responders to provide medical care to patients.
Hummel described the incident as a large-scale collapse of the building framework, stating that it was a chaotic scene. He also stated that certain victims were on a hoist or elevated platform when the structure collapsed, necessitating specialized rescue operations. A crane also collapsed in the incident. Officials reported that the operations at Boise Airport were not affected.
In a statement late Wednesday night, Hummel stated, “The Boise Airport, City of Boise, and all first responders extend their deepest sympathies to those impacted.”
Investigations Being Conducted
According to Boise city permitting records the contractor, Big D Builders, obtained permits to construct a 39,000-square-foot (3,623-square-meter) jet hangar for Jackson Jet Center. [2]
The project, which cost $6.2 million, involved the construction of a concrete foundation and a metal building. Messages requesting comment were not promptly returned by Big D Builders via phone and email.
Investigations are being conducted to determine the cause of the collapse. The collapse happened west of the current Jackson Jet Center, at a site where the company was constructing a new hangar, according to Flynn. Jackson Jet Center is a facility that provides private airplane charter and maintenance services.
Jessica Flynn, CEO of Jackson Jet Center, expressed sympathy for those impacted by the event.
Flynn stated that the exact cause of the hangar collapse is currently unknown.
Eyewitness Remarks
Terra Furman observed a significant presence of emergency vehicles near the entrance to the airport while driving on Interstate 84 around 5:30 p.m. There were approximately 20 police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks. The scene consisted of a crane that appeared to be folded in half and a building that had collapsed into the shape of an ‘M’, as she had described.
“The walls were partially intact while the middle section had collapsed on both sides,” she stated.
Cody McGowan was working approximately 100 yards (91 meters) away from the building when he reported hearing a noise resembling a loud dog whine. When he looked up, he observed a hangar collapsing in on itself, with a height equivalent of 3 ½ – 4 stories, along with a portion of the crane on top.
“When I walked up there, it was quite surprising to witness a building collapsing inwards,” he remarked.
While driving to the airport, James Quintana witnessed emergency vehicles racing by. He immediately thought it was a plane crash. He then saw the collapsed hangar and paramedics tending to the victims.
The retired law enforcement officer stated that when there is a significant amount of commotion, emergency personnel, and vehicles, it indicates a major incident has occurred. He described the scene as unsettling.
Contact Goldberg & Loren’s personal injury lawyers in Boise today for a free consultation if you were injured in this building collapse or any accident in Idaho.
Sources:
[1] 3 people are killed and 9 injured after a hangar collapses at an Idaho airport. (2024, February 1). NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/02/01/1228282338/3-people-are-killed-and-9-injured-after-a-hangar-collapse-at-an-idaho-airport
[2] 3 people killed and 9 injured in hangar collapse on grounds of Boise, Idaho, airport. (2024, February 1). WFTV. https://www.wftv.com/news/3-people-killed-9/3HJOSQL66WMF2PD77SSQ6DEAS4/
