Hangar under construction collapses at Boise Airport, killing 3, injuring 9

A private hangar under construction at the Boise Airport (BOI) collapsed Wednesday night, killing three people and injuring nine others. At about 5 p.m. on Wednesday, the hangar collapsed. Three people died on the scene and nine were injured, with five of the injured in critical condition at local hospitals. Numerous emergency response teams were at the scene, including the Boise Fire Department, a heavy rescue unit and a dozen ambulances. "Tonight, there was a catastrophic collapse of a metal structure at a construction site," said Aaron Hummel, division chief of operations. "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." The site was closed through the night but not believed to be a threat to the public. There will be an investigation into the collapse and OSHA representatives were on the scene. There was no impact on Boise Airport operations. Witnesses reported seeing many police cars, ambulances and firetrucks and what Terra Furman described to AP News as a crane folded in half and a building collapsed into the shape of an "M." "The walls were still up at a point and the middle collapsed in on either side," Furman said to AP News. According to AP News, Hummel said some of the victims were on a hoist or other elevated platform when the structure fell, requiring specialized rescue efforts. He confirmed a crane was placing something on the structure at the time of the collapse, and also collapsed in the incident. NBC News reports that there were 30 people at the site at the time of the collapse and everyone has been accounted for. The collapse was at a 39,000-square-foot hangar, west of the existing Jackson Jet Center. Jackson Jet Center offered condolences to all those affected by the event in a statement. "We do not know exactly what caused the hangar collapse. Our focus now is on supporting our team and partners during this difficult time," the company said, according to NBC News. The names of the victims have not been released while authorities are working to contact families.