A tragic incident unfolded near an Idaho airport as a privately-owned hangar, under construction, collapsed on Wednesday evening, resulting in three fatalities and nine injuries, five of which are critical, according to Boise fire officials. The structure’s collapse, described as “fairly catastrophic” by Boise Fire Division Chief Aaron Hummel, occurred on Boise Airport property, affecting a construction site near the airfield. The incident also led to the falling of a crane. While the airport operations remained unaffected, traffic disruptions occurred on Interstate 84.
The Boise Fire Department responded to the scene at West Rickenbacker and Luke streets around 5 p.m. local time. The rescue operation, carried out amidst the chaotic aftermath, involved securing and aiding victims. As of late Wednesday night, the site was declared secure, with no imminent threat to the public. However, Wright Street was to remain closed throughout the night.
Despite the severity of the incident, the airport’s functions remained intact. The collapse’s impact on traffic was acknowledged by the Idaho State Police, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations into the causes behind this tragic event. Hummel, while extending sympathies to those affected, emphasized the ongoing investigation to determine the responsible party for the collapsed structure. The precise details surrounding the collapse and its aftermath are under scrutiny as authorities work to unravel the circumstances leading to this unfortunate event.