'Catastrophic' Boise building collapse near airport kills 3, injures 9

Police and emergency vehicles respond to the scene of a building collapse near the Boise Airport, Idaho on January 31, 2024. — Idaho Statesmen via Diego Garcia

At least three people died while nine others were injured after a building collapsed near Boise Airport in Idaho, the Boise Fire Department said in a press release late Wednesday night.

According to Boise Fire, a hangar under construction on Boise Airport’s property and a crane collapsed adjacent to the Jackson Jet Center, Idaho Statesmen reported.

"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," Boise Fire Operations Chief Aaron Hummel said in a press release.

The hangar was being built by the Jackson Jet Center, its spokesperson, Jessica Flynn said in a statement adding that "dozens of dedicated people" were working at the site.

Flynn, in an email to the Idaho Statesman, said: "We do not know exactly what caused the hangar collapse. Our focus now is on supporting our team and partners during this difficult time."

The victims and injured, five of whom were reported to be in critical condition, were taken to local hospitals.

At a press conference, Hummel confirmed that around 30 people who would have been at the site were accounted for, but the cause of the collapse remains unknown.

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He revealed that the incident was reported at approximately 5pm.

“I can tell you that it was a pretty global collapse that occurred and the main structural members came down,” Hummel said. “It was fairly catastrophic.”

He said the Boise Police Department was heading the investigation.

Law enforcement closed Wright Street due to search and rescue efforts, with search and rescue crews on site.

The street is expected to remain closed throughout the night, with around 30 emergency vehicles dispatched, including fire engines, ladder trucks, and ambulances, according to Boise Fire.