BOISE, Idaho — Nearly five months after the fatal collapse of a Boise Airport hangar, the remnants of the deformed, partially standing structure are scheduled to be demolished.
A spokesperson with Big D Builders, the company building the hangar at the time of the collapse which killed three of Big D's employees, confirmed to KTVB Tuesday, June 18, that demolition efforts "will begin this week."
When asked by KTVB when OSHA anticipates releasing its findings from its investigation, Western Regional Director Mike W. Petersen with the U.S. Department of Labor said that although OSHA released control of the property back to Big D Builders, the investigation will likely take an additional approximate 6 weeks, with a conclusion date no later than July 31, 2024.
Peterson said that OSHA "determined they had sufficiently documented the scene and collected enough physical evidence to turn the site over [to Big D Builders]" at the end of April. However, OSHA is still permitted to collect additional evidence and analysis of physical evidence from the site during the demolition phase if it deems necessary.
On January 31, 2024, Mario Sontay Tzi, 32, Mariano Coc Och, 24, and Craig Durrant, 59, died from blunt force trauma sustained when the hangar that was being constructed at the time, collapsed.
The brother of Big D Builders' owner was among the dead.
Statement from Big D Builders on the demolition:
"The hanger site at the Boise Airport has recently been released by OSHA. Since that time, additional site inspections by several parties have taken place; plans and safety protocols for removing the structure from the site have been developed; and it is now time to move forward. Demolition will begin this week.
Our hearts are heavy as we continue to mourn and honor Mario, Mariano, and Craig. We, the families and employees of Big D Builders, Inc., remain grateful to the local community for their continued support as we have been overwhelmed by the love and compassion, we have received from so many during this most difficult time."
The attorney representing the families of two of the victims killed in the private jet hangar collapse on Boise Airport property filed a notice of intent to sue the city.
In their notice of intent filed with the City of Boise, the families of Mario Sontay Tzi and Mariano Coc Och, who were killed in the January 31 Boise hangar collapse, say they could seek damages totaling $30 million. The damages would include $15 million for each family under three different damage claims.
The attorney representing the families, Enrique Serna, told KTVB the damages are for economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
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