Boise Airport Hanger Collapse, Killing Three, Injuring Nine

BOISE, Idaho — A tragic incident occurred on the grounds of Boise Airport on Wednesday, leading to the collapse of a hangar under construction. The incident resulted in three fatalities and nine injuries. Of the nine injured, five are listed in critical condition. All individuals present at the construction site at the time of the incident have been accounted for, according to city authorities.

The collapse happened around 5 p.m. at a site where a new steel-framed hangar, owned privately, was being constructed.

The cause of the collapse is under investigation. The construction project, managed by Big D Builders, was intended to create a 39,000-square-foot jet hangar for Jackson Jet Center, with the project valued at $6.2 million.

Authorities, along with the construction company and emergency medical teams, are focused on the aftermath and investigation of this devastating event. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Thoughts on fatal workplace accidents

When investigating construction accidents, it’s crucial to determine the root cause of the failure to ensure those injured and killed receive answers and to prevent such incidents from happening again. Trained professionals will need to determine the events leading up to the collapse to identify whether this was caused by construction defects, design flaws, construction errors, material failure, inadequate temporary supports, overloading, poor planning, or something else.

It’s unacceptable for construction workers or anyone else to be put at risk due to defective parts or negligence. The construction of an airplane hangar, given its scale and the risks involved, should adhere to the highest safety standards. Any failure in this regard is a failure to protect those who work on and around these structures.

For the injured workers and the families of those who lost their lives, understanding the cause of the collapse is crucial. It’s not just about seeking justice or compensation; it’s about ensuring that the same mistakes are not repeated.