BOISE, Idaho — A jet hangar collapse at West Rickenbacker Street and Luke Street near the Boise Airport left three people dead and nine people injured Wednesday evening, the Boise Fire Department said in a news release.
Five of the nine injured are in critical condition and all are being treated at local hospitals, Boise Fire said. The emergency response was completed Thursday, and the scene has been turned over to OSHA investigators.
On Friday, the names of the 3 victims were released. 59-year-old Craig Durrant, 24-year-old Mariano Coc Och and 32-year-old Mario Sontay Tzi all suffered from blunt force trauma and succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Boise Fire said the incident occurred around 5 p.m. when a privately-owned hangar under construction collapsed. When crews arrived at the scene, they said due to the nature of the collapse, they rescued several victims.
Inland Crane was hired to assist Big D Builders in the building construction. According to a statement from Jeremy Haener, Vice President of Inland Crane, a crane was working to place an end truss when the hangar collapsed "due to an unknown structural failure."
Haener said the crane boom snapped on impact. Inland Crane originally had four cranes at the location to build the hangar, but the steel erection contractor requested for three of the cranes to be removed with a majority of the work done by Wednesday afternoon.
"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 of the hanger," Haener said in an email to KTVB.
The crane operator and members of the Inland Crane team on site were not injured by the hangar collapse Wednesday, which broke the company's crane.
Everyone in and around the area of the collapse has been accounted for. Officials on Thursday said ongoing updates will not be provided on the condition of those injured, and the incident remains under investigation.
“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.”
"Our community is facing a profound loss after the hangar collapse last night. Our thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones and those who are awaiting news on those still in critical conditions,” Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our first responders and emergency response teams for their quick, compassionate and professional actions last night and into today and we hold everyone involved in our hearts."
Hummel confirmed a jet hangar under construction collapsed on airport property at a leased space. KTVB confirmed through city permits that the hangar is being built at the Jackson Jet Center. According to building permits, the building was made of pre-engineered steel.
Hummel said initial reports stated 30 people were working in the area and Boise Fire worked to reunite families on the scene.
"Emergency and trauma teams are working closely with emergency first responders to provide immediate care and treat patients arriving from the scene," a Saint Alphonsus spokesperson told KTVB.
"No city-owned buildings were impacted by this incident and there was no impact to Boise Airport operations. The City of Boise Building Division has had no concerns or issues with recent inspections," Boise Fire said in an updated news release Thursday.
The scene remains secured Thursday with fencing, and Wright Street is still closed between West Rickenbacker Street and Orchard Street. Additional updates on the cause of the hangar collapse and future plans for the site will come from representatives with OSHA.
Wednesday's responders included three airport rescue firefighting units, eight Boise Fire engines, three Boise Fire trucks, two battalion chiefs, one division chief, three safety officers, two heavy rescue units, 10 units with Ada County Paramedics, three units with Canyon County Paramedics, four acute rescue units and transport ambulances, Gowen Field Fire Department, Idaho State Police, Boise Police, Ada County Coroner, Garden City Police and airport operations.
“Yesterday was a tragic day for our Boise community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones affected by this incident,” Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer said. “I commend the actions of all the first responders for their quick and professional response rescuing victims and caring for patients in a chaotic and very dangerous environment.”
Boise Fire on Thursday said first responders are receiving support through the department's peer support team. Personnel involved will not be available for interviews with the media.
Public statements provided on structure collapse:
Red Sky on behalf of the Jackson Jet Center emailed KTVB the following statement:
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.
The Boise Airport posted the following statement on social media:
We understand that neighbors on our airfield are suffering tonight after this evening’s incident. Our thoughts are with those involved and their families.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little posted the following statement via X on Thursday:
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.
Sen. Jim Risch also released a statement via X on Thursday, stating:
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.
Saint Alphonsus Health System statement on status of patients impacted by the building collapse:
Saint Alphonsus Health System has received multiple inquiries regarding the number and status of patients admitted to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center related to the tragic building collapse event on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. We appreciate the interest expressed in being updated on the status of patients impacted. However, due to federal and state privacy laws, and to respect the privacy of the individuals and families involved, we will not disclose information related to patients involved in this event.
We applaud the Boise Fire Department, Boise Police Department, and Emergency Medical Responders who responded immediately to this crisis. As the region’s most advanced Trauma Center, we continue to stand ready as a member of the Emergency Response Team to serve our community as needed in the event of crisis. Saint Alphonsus Health System offers its deepest sympathy to the individuals and families impacted by the building collapse and pledges our continued commitment to serve those impacted by this tragic event.
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