Work Resumes on Idaho Hangar that Collapsed Last Year
Meridian, Idaho-based Big D Builders has resumed work on an airport hangar in Boise, nearly a year after its collapse, which resulted in the deaths of three people, a spokesperson for the contractor told Construction Dive. The hangar, owned by Jackson Jet is located at Boise Airport.
On January 31, 2024, the hangar collapsed during construction, killing Craig Durrant, 59; Mario Sontay Tzi, 32; and Mariano Coc Och, 24. Craig Durrant was a co-founder of Big D Builders and the brother of Dennis Durrant, the company’s owner. Reports indicate workers had raised concerns about the structure the day before the incident.
In its findings released in July, OSHA alleged that Big D Builders failed to follow proper regulations during the hangar’s erection. Key connecting bolts were reportedly left loose, and straps were used to straighten spans instead of employing additional bracing or temporary guy lines as required by steel erection standards.
The agency further claimed the contractor failed to adequately train workers in constructing steel spans and permitted cranes and heavy equipment to operate in muddy and waterlogged conditions, increasing the risk of equipment overturning. As a result, OSHA issued Big D Builders one willful violation and three serious violations, with initial penalties totaling $198,586. These citations are currently being contested, meaning the penalties could be reduced.
In addition, Boise-based Inland Crane Inc., the crane contractor on the project, received one serious safety violation citation and an initial proposed fine of $10,163. Inland Crane has also contested the citation but stated at the time that OSHA’s findings indicated its employees and equipment were not responsible for the incident.
Just weeks before OSHA’s findings were released, the families of the deceased workers filed a lawsuit against the construction team, alleging that the builders “recklessly” rushed the project and seeking damages for their loss.
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