The emergency response to the structure collapse at the airfield in Boise yesterday is complete. The scene remains secured with fencing and has been turned over to OSHA investigators. Wright Street between W Rickenbacker St and Orchard St remains closed at this time for the ongoing investigation.
“Yesterday was a tragic day for our Boise community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones affected by this incident,” said Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer. “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.”
"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,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “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."
Any further updates about what caused the collapse and next steps at the site will come from OSHA representatives. The names of the three people who died in this incident will be released by the Ada County Coroner’s Office pending notification of next of kin. The City of Boise will not be providing ongoing updates on the condition of those who are injured.
“Yesterday’s tragic news of the hangar collapse was absolutely heartbreaking for our airport team and for our community,” said Rebecca Hupp, Boise Airport Director. “Today we are thinking about the families that lost loved ones, our neighbors at Jackson Jet Center, and their contractor. Life is precious and every day is a gift.”
Support is being provided to many of the first responders who responded yesterday through the department's peer support team. They will not be available for additional interviews.
“This was an incredibly large emergency response involving many agencies from around our community,” said Boise Fire Division Chief of Operations Aaron Hummel. “We would like to thank all our public safety partners who assisted.”
Yesterday’s response included 3 Airport Rescue Firefighting units, 8 Boise Fire engines, 3 Boise Fire trucks, 2 Battalion Chiefs, 1 Division Chief, 3 Safety Officers, 2 heavy rescue units, 10 Ada County Paramedic units including 6 ambulances, 3 Canyon County Paramedic units including 2 ambulances, 4 Acute Rescue and Transport ambulances, Gowen Field Fire Department, Idaho State Police, Boise Police, Ada County Coroner, Garden City Police, and Airport Operations.
The building that collapsed was a privately owned hangar that was under construction. It sits on property leased from the Boise Airport, but 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.
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Previously Released: January 31, 2024
Tonight, at approximately 5:00 pm MT a privately owned hangar that was under construction collapsed. The hangar construction site is on the Boise Airport’s airfield near W. Rickenbacker St. and Luke St. Three people died on scene, and 9 people were injured. Five of the injured are in critical condition and receiving care at local hospitals.
Due to the nature of the collapse, first arriving fire crews worked to stabilize the scene and performed multiple victim rescues during their response. In addition to the Boise Fire Department, Boise Police, Gowen Field Fire Department, and Ada County Paramedics responded to this incident. The response included 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 remain on scene at this time and Wright St. will remain closed through the night. The site is secure, and there is no threat to the public. The investigation into what caused the collapse is ongoing. OSHA representatives are on scene investigating. No city-owned buildings were impacted by this incident and there was no impact to Boise Airport operations.
The names of those who died will be released by the Ada County Coroner’s Office pending notification of next of kin.