Tragedy struck at the Boise Airport in Idaho on Wednesday when a hangar under construction collapsed, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and leaving nine others injured. The incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m. local time, prompting an immediate response from authorities.
According to Boise Fire Department Operations Chief Aaron Hummel, the collapse was described as a “large-scale collapse” of the building’s framework. It was a chaotic scene, with emergency personnel rushing to the site to provide assistance. Hummel stated that everyone present at the construction site had been accounted for by Wednesday evening, but he refrained from providing further details regarding the condition of the injured individuals or any potential fatalities.
Later that night, the city of Boise confirmed that three people had lost their lives in the tragic incident. Among the nine injured individuals, five were admitted to the hospital in critical condition. The names of the victims have not yet been released.
Eyewitness Terra Furman was driving on Interstate 84 near the airport when she noticed a significant presence of emergency vehicles. She described seeing a crane folded in half and a building shaped like an ‘M,’ with the walls still standing on either side but the middle section collapsed inward.
The collapse also involved a crane, adding to the complexity of the rescue efforts. Some of the victims were reportedly on a hoist or elevated platform at the time of the incident, necessitating specialized rescue procedures.
Emergency and trauma teams from Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise worked alongside first responders to treat patients who were transported from the scene.
As of now, authorities are investigating the cause of the hangar collapse. The focus is on determining what led to this catastrophic event and ensuring that such incidents can be prevented in the future.
Despite the devastating loss of life and injuries, operations at Boise Airport remain unaffected. The airport continues to function normally while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with construction projects. The collapse of a building under construction can have severe consequences, as seen in this case. It underscores the importance of adhering to strict safety protocols and conducting thorough inspections to minimize the chances of such accidents.
The Boise community and the aviation industry as a whole mourn the loss of life and extend their deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating incident. As authorities work diligently to determine the cause of the collapse, efforts will also be made to provide support and assistance to those impacted by this tragedy.
