Press Release: Three Fatalities and Several Injuries Following a Building Collapse

By Press Release • January 31, 2024

The following press release was sent by the City of Boise at 9:42pm MT on January 31, 2024. Press releases do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of those at the Idaho Dispatch.

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 nine 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.