The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has taken over the investigation of a hanger collapse that killed three people and injured several others at the Boise Airport last night.
OSHA Regional Director David Kearns confirmed that OSHA Inspectors were on the ground shortly after the hanger collapsed.
According to scanner traffic obtained by Boise News Dispatch, emergency crews responded to the collapsed hanger shortly before 5:00 PM. Crews quickly identified three patients as ‘Black’, which in triage terms means they suffered injuries that were incompatible with life. Six other patients were listed on site as in critical condition. Three of those patients were immediately transported to area hospitals via ground ambulance. The remaining patients were on elevated scissor lifts at the time of the accident, which delayed rescue efforts significantly.
You can listen to an abbreviated version of the scanner traffic here.
“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.”
According to the press release from the City of Boise, 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.
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 as part of an expansion by Jackson Jet Center. 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.
