3 dead, others critically hurt during structure collapse in Boise, Idaho

Three people died and nine others were injured Wednesday in a serious collapse at a hangar being built at an airport in Boise, Idaho, the fire department said.

The names of the dead, all of whom officials said died at the scene, were not immediately released. Five of the nine injured were in critical condition, the fire department said in a statement.

The collapse happened about 5 p.m. at a structure where a rigid steel frame had been erected at Boise Airport, Boise Fire Operations Chief Aaron Hummel told reporters. A crane was placing something on the structure at the time of the collapse, he said.

“There was a large-scale collapse of the building, the framework of the building,” he said. “I don’t know what caused it, but I can tell you it was a pretty global collapse.”

There were 12 people injured in all, including those who died, the fire department said. They were in or around the building at the time of the collapse, Hummel said.

More than 30 people were at the site at the time, he said, adding that everyone was accounted for.

The effort to get people out of the collapsed structure was complicated in some cases and included using hoists, he said.

The collapse was under investigation Wednesday night, and an Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigator was on the scene, Hummel said.

Boise Airport Director Rebecca Hupp said that while the structure was on airport property, the project was not an airport project and construction was being done by a private party. It was an early-stage project that only had framework up.

The collapse was at a new 39,000 square-foot steel hangar west of the existing Jackson Jet Center, that business said. The Jackson Jet Center provides private flights and other services.

“Tonight, our hearts go out to everyone affected by this horrific event, especially those with loved ones on site when this tragedy occurred,” the company said.

It thanked the efforts the Boise Fire Department, Boise Police Department and Ada County Paramedics , as well hospital staff.

“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 company said.