A devastating building collapse near Boise Airport killed three people and injured nine other individuals Wednesday night. The Boise Fire Department described the incident as “quite catastrophic.”
A press release by the City of Boise explained that the building collapse was a privately owned hangar that was currently under construction on the site of Boise Airport’s airfield. The Boise Fire Department noted that the collapse of the hangar occurred at roughly 5:00 p.m. local time.
“Three people died on scene, and nine people were injured,” city officials stated in the press release. “Five of the injured are in critical condition and receiving care at local hospitals.”
Boise Fire Division Chief Aaron Hummel told reporters Wednesday’s hangar collapse was “fairly catastrophic” and that it was a “pretty global collapse that occurred.” Hummel told reporters that the collapse of the airport hangar also led to a construction crane collapsing.
“Tonight, there was a catastrophic collapse of a metal structure at a construction site. First responders found a hectic scene and worked to secure and rescue victims,” Hummel stated. “The Boise Airport, City of Boise, and all first responders extend their deepest sympathies to those impacted.”
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City officials explained that the Boise Fire Department, the Boise Police, Ada County Paramedics, and the Gowen Field Fire Department helped “stabilize” the scene of the hangar collapse and rescued multiple victims. The emergency response included 12 ambulances, eight fire engines, three ladder trucks, a heavy rescue unit, two battalion chiefs, two safety officers, and one division chief.
A video posted on social media by RawsAlerts shows the remains of the hangar collapse and emergency crews at the location of the incident.
In Wednesday’s press release, the Boise Fire Department confirmed that the location of the hangar collapse had been secured and that there was “no threat to the public.” However, a local street remained closed during the night.
While Boise Airport activities were not impacted by the collapse of the private hangar, the Idaho State Police reported that the hangar collapse caused “traffic issues” on Interstate 84. The Idaho State Police urged people to “use caution and stay alert” while driving near the airport.
According to city officials, the private hangar collapse is being investigated by representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
