Three people were killed and another nine injured — five of them critically — after a hangar under construction at Boise Airport suffered what officials called “a catastrophic collapse.”
The privately owned steel-framed structure, located on the edge of the airport property in Idaho’s capital city, came crashing down early Wednesday evening, Boise Fire Department Operations Chief Aaron Hummel told reporters. When emergency personnel arrived at the airport shortly after 5 p.m., they discovered “a hectic scene” and raced “to secure and rescue victims,” he added.
Some of the victims were on a hoist or elevated platforms at the time the hangar fell, requiring first responders to use specialized rescue tactics.
A crane also toppled over in the “large-scale collapse,” Hummel said.
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“I don’t know what caused it, but I can tell you it was a pretty global collapse,” he told reporters, further noting Boise Airport operations were not impacted.
Everyone on site at the time has since been accounted for, city officials noted.
Authorities respond to the scene of a reported building collapse near the Boise Airport on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Boise, Idaho. (Terra Furman via AP)
The hangar involved was owned by Jackson Jet Center, a company that sells private airplane charters across the United States and Canada, according to its website. It boasts private hangar space and pilot service facilities at both Boise and Phoenix airports. In a statement to KIVI, Jackson Jet confirmed the collapse “occurred just west of our existing Jackson Jet Center at our new 39,000-square-foot steel hangar under construction, where dozens of dedicated people were working on site.”
The $6.2 million project was slated to include the construction of a concrete foundation and a metal building. According to Boise city records, the contractor Big D Builders had obtained permits for the job.
Authorities respond to the scene of a reported building collapse near the Boise Airport on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Boise, Idaho. (Terra Furman via AP)
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this horrific event, especially those with loved ones on site when this tragedy occurred,” Jackson Jet said. “We’re immensely grateful for the rapid and professional response of Boise Fire, Boise Police and Ada County Paramedics along with the expert care of our area hospitals.”
It added: “We do not know exactly what caused the hangar collapse. Our focus now is on supporting our team and partners during this difficult time.”
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Authorities respond to the scene of a reported building collapse near the Boise Airport on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Boise, Idaho. (Terra Furman via AP)
As of early Thursday morning, none of the victims has been identified.
An investigation into what caused the collapse is underway. Representatives with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also responded to the scene.
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The rotunda as seen on March 16, 2026, at the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)
Ahead of the 2026 primary elections, the League of Women Voters of Idaho is teaming up with several local groups to hold candidate forums and voter education events in the hopes of boosting voter turnout.
The groups invited all candidates for public office in Ada and Canyon County’s commissions, and inlegislative district 11, which is in Canyon County.
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The groups that are hosting include Mormon Women for Ethical Government, the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of University Women’s Boise branch and the College of Idaho’s Masters of Applied Public Policy Program.
Here’s when and where the forums are:
Ada County Commissioner District 2:7-8:30 p.m. April 24 at Meridian City Hall, located at 33 E. Broadway Ave. in Meridian.
Ada County Commissioner District 1:7-8:30 p.m. April 28 at Valley View Elementary School, located at 3555 N Milwaukee St. in Boise.
Legislative District 11:6:30-8:30 p.m. April 30 at Caldwell City Hall, located at 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Canyon County Commissioner:6-8 p.m. May 7 at Caldwell City Hall, 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Learn more about candidates at the League of Women Voters’ online voter guide,VOTE411.ORG.
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BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Idaho drivers wanting to celebrate America’s anniversary this year now have a unique way to do that. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles has released an America 250 license plate to mark the occasion.
The new license plate includes an American flag on a blue background with the words “America 250” and the dates “1776 – 2026.”
The plate requires an extra fee that will go toward supporting the Idaho Heritage Trust, according to an Idaho Transportation Department news release. The specific fee wasn’t listed.
“This plate gives Idahoans a chance to mark a historic milestone and show their pride on the road,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV administrator, in a statement. “We’re proud to offer a design that honors our country’s past while supporting Idaho’s efforts to preserve its own history.”
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The America 250 license plate was released to celebrate a historic national milestone. | Idaho Transportation Department
Idaho’s favorite license plate
The new license plate may give Idaho’s favorite a run for its money.
The Idaho Transportation Department recently held a “Battle of the Plates” vote to find out which license plate Idahoans loved best.
The Forests Forever plate was crowned the champion on April 7. Funds generated from this plate go toward Idaho replanting and reforestation projects, as well as environmental education programs for Idaho students and teachers.
“One of Idaho’s newest plates, Forests Forever made a strong run and came out on top, highlighting just how much Idahoans value our forests and natural resources,” the transportation department said in a social media post.
Idahoans chose Forests Forever as their favorite specialty license plate. | Idaho Transportation Department
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