Inland Crane comments:
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — In a statement to the Associated Press the vice president of Inland Crane, the company hired to provide crane services during the construction of the hangar, Jeremy Haener said that none of the employees of Inland Crane were injured, though they are mourning the loss of friends and colleagues.
“Based on accounts of Inland Crane operators, construction workers on site, and the steel erecting contractor, we believe that no action by Inland Crane operators or the crane itself were cause for the structural failure,” Haener said.
The crane was being used to place an end truss at the time of the accident according to Haener.
“When the building collapsed due to an unknown structural failure, the crane boom — the hydraulic arm of the equipment — snapped on impact.”
When first responders arrived at the scene some of the victims were on elevated platforms and hoists and required specialized rescue efforts according to Fire Department Operations Chief Aaron Hummel.
Scene Handed Over to OSHA Investigators:
A statement from the City of Boise confirms that the scene of the building collapse near the Boise Airport has been secured and turned over to OSHA investigators. Wright Street between W. Rickenbacker St. and Orchard St. will remain closed at this time while the investigation remains ongoing.
David Kearns, Area Director for the Boise OSHA office, told the Idaho Press that the investigation will be "complex," and that there will be "a lot of evidence to collect." "As much as I prefer to have things turned around as expeditiously as possible, this is likely going to be a complex investigation with a lot of evidence to collect," Kearns said.
According to the Idaho Press, the contractor responsible for building the hangar has four OSHA violations in the last years, according to the U.S. Department of Labor records, though most of those are for failing to adequately protect workers from "fall hazards." One example happened in 2023 when Big D Builders was cited again for failing to protect employees in steel erection activities that were exposed to an approximate 33-foot fall hazard. The company was fined $21,875 for the repeat violation.
Kearns tells the Idaho Press that although Big D Builders has been cited multiple times, that may not play a factor in the outcome of the investigation since their previous violations appear to be unrelated to whatever the root cause of the collapse is, though they won't know for sure until the investigation is completed. Fall protection was the most cited standard by OSHA in 2022, and is frequently one of the most common citations.
Governor Brad Little and Senator Jim Risch's comments:
On Thursday, Governor Brad Little released a statement on the building collapse. He said:
Please keep the victims of the tragic building collapse near the Boise airport in your prayers. We are also praying for the loved ones of those who died. The State is monitoring the situation to find out how we can assist.Senator Risch also made a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. He said:
Vicki and I are praying for those hurt or killed by the hangar collapse last night. We greatly appreciate the emergency responders for their heroic and rapid response.The Latest:
Boise Police say that three people were killed and nine others were injured, five of whom are in critical condition, when a 39,000-square-foot steel hangar that was under construction collapsed.
Fire crews from Bosie Fire, Boise Police, Gowen Field Fire Department, and Ada County Paramedics arrived and worked to stabilize the scene and rescued multiple victims.
There were eight fire engines, three ladder trucks, two safety officers, two battalion chiefs, one division chief, a heavy rescue unit, and a dozen ambulances.
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,” said Division Chief of Operations Aaron Hummel. “The Boise Airport, City of Boise, and all first responders extend their deepest sympathies to those impacted.Crews are still at the scene and OSHA representatives are on the scene investigating what caused the collapse.
Wright Street will remain closed through the night.
The names of those who died will be released after the next of kin have been notified.
St. Luke's comments:
St. Luke's says that the Boise Medical Center received one patient. Their Emergency Departments are open in case there are more patients.
Jackson Jet Center Comments:
Jackson Jet Center said “Tonight, our hearts go out to everyone affected by this horrific event, especially those with loved ones on site when this tragedy occurred. We’re immensely grateful for the rapid and professional response of Boise Fire, Boise Police and Ada County Paramedics along with the expert care of our area hospitals. This occurred just west of our existing Jackson Jet Center at our new 39,000-square-foot steel hangar under construction, where dozens of dedicated people were working on site. We do not know exactly what caused the hangar collapse. Our focus now is on supporting our team and partners during this difficult time.”
Senator Mike Crapo Comments:
Senator Mike Crapo commented on the incident and said his "prayers are with those injured and emergency responders."
Building collapsed injuring a dozen:
A building near the Boise Airport has collapsed for unknown reasons, injuring nearly a dozen people.
Boise Fire Division Chief Aaron Hummel says that about a dozen people have been injured in the incident. Their conditions are not available at this time. Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center tells CBS2 that they are working closely with first responders to provide immediate care and treat patients who are arriving from the scene.
Boise police are working with families to reunite them with the victims.
The cause of the collapse is under investigation. Boise Police are leading the investigation along with an FAA Investigator who is now on scene.
CBS2 will update this story as more information becomes available.
Original Post:
Emergency responders are on the scene of a building collapse near Boise Airport in Idaho.
Crews responded to West Rickenbacker Street and Luke Street.
Boise Fire says that multiple injuries have been reported. Crews are working on search and rescue efforts. Wright Street has been closed.
The Boise Airport is not affected by this incident.
Idaho State Police say that traffic on I-84 is being affected by this incident. Drivers need to use caution while driving through the area.
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