Tragedy at Boise Airport: Three dead and five in critical condition after hangar collapse
An airport hangar under construction on an airfield in Idaho has collapsed killing three people.
Nine others were injured in the incident which happened at around 5pm on Wednesday on the grounds of Boise Airport, officials said.
Five of the injured are in a critical condition and receiving care at local hospitals.
Boise Fire Department, Boise Police, Gowen Field Fire Department, and Ada County Paramedics responded to the incident.
Emergency services at the scene. Pic: Terra Furman via AP
“Tonight, there was a catastrophic collapse of a metal structure at a construction site,” said Aaron Hummel, Boise Fire Department operations chief.
“First responders found a hectic scene and worked to secure and rescue victims.
“The Boise Airport, city of Boise, and all first responders extend their deepest sympathies to those impacted.”
Everyone at the site has been accounted for, he said, and the cause of the “large-scale collapse” is being investigated.
“I don’t know what caused it, but I can tell you it was a pretty global collapse,” he said.
Some of the victims were on a hoist or elevated platform at the time the structure fell, and that required some specialised rescue efforts, he said.
He confirmed that a crane also collapsed during the incident.
The cause of the incident is being investigated. Pic: Terra Furman via AP
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