At least three dead & 9 hurt in Idaho building collapse near airport that saw crane ‘smash into roof’ in ‘catastrophe’ – The US Sun

THREE people are dead and several others wounded after a building collapsed at an airfield in Idaho.

A crane smashed into a 39,000-square-foot steel hangar in Boise on Wednesday in a scene that first responders described as catastrophic.

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Photos showed the building toppled over on the ground as cops surrounded the work site on Boise Airport's airfield.

The City of Boise said in addition to three deaths, nine people were hurt, including five patients who were in critical condition.

"Tonight, there was a catastrophic collapse of a metal structure at a construction site," said Boise Fire Division Chief Aaron Hummel in a statement.

"First responders found a hectic scene and worked to secure and rescue victims.

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"The Boise Airport, City of Boise, and all first responders extend their deepest sympathies to those impacted."

A crane was placing an item on the hangar at about 5 pm when the structure gave out, according to reports.

Hummel described the collapse as "a very chaotic scene."

He said the emergency involved a "large-scale collapse" of the building's framework.

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"I don’t know what caused it, but I can tell you it was a pretty global collapse," he said.

Terra Furman was driving on Interstate 84 when she spotted at least 20 cop cars, ambulances, and fire trucks.

She said the building collapsed into a shape that looked like the letter M.

"The walls were still up at a point and the middle collapsed in on either side," she told the Associated Press.

In a press conference, the fire department said that the building collapse caused the crane to fall, however, that's still under investigation.

Operations at Boise Airport weren't affected, officials said.

The emergency took place near Jackson Jet Center, which offers private airplane charters and maintenance.

Jackson Jet Center's CEO Jessica Flynn said the company's “hearts go out to everyone affected by this horrific event."

She added that the affected area was west of the Jackson Jet Center, where a new hangar was under construction.

Dozens of people were working at the site.

“We do not know exactly what caused the hangar collapse,” Flynn said.

"Our focus now is on supporting our team and partners during this difficult time.”

Cody McGowan, who was 100 yards from the building, described seeing a 3 ½ to 4-story tall hangar collapse in on itself.

“When I walked up there, you’re just kind of like, ‘Wow,’" he said.

McGowan said he heard a noise that sounded like a big dog whining.

“It’s shocking to see a building falling in on itself," he added.

Meanwhile, James Quintana, who used to work in law enforcement, thought a plane had crashed based on the commotion near the airport.

Nearby streets were closed and the Idaho State Police reported traffic issues on Interstate 84 near the airport.

Drivers were asked to use caution in the area.

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Boise police were working with families to help reunite them with the victims.

The department is leading the investigation into the cause of the collapse.

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