The families of two construction workers who tragically lost their lives in the collapse of an airport hangar in Idaho have filed lawsuits against multiple companies involved in the construction process.
The lawsuits claim that these businesses negligently compromised safety measures and utilized unsuitable materials during the building process.
Families File Lawsuits After Tragic Airport Hangar Collapse in Idaho
A tragic incident occurred at the Boise airport when the private hangar, which was still being constructed, collapsed due to strong winds on January 31.
This unfortunate event resulted in the loss of three lives and left nine others injured. A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by the families of Mario Sontay and Mariano Coc against Big D Builders, Steel Building Systems, Inland Crane, and Speck Steel in federal court. The lawsuit, which was filed earlier this week, seeks unspecified monetary damages, Washington Post reported.
Sontay, 32, and Coc, 24, had just started working on the hangar job when the massive metal structure unexpectedly collapsed after only six days. They were directed to the hangar from another construction site by Big D Builders due to the urgent completion deadline for the building's shell, as stated in the lawsuit.
According to AP News, there were indications of potential issues with the construction prior to the collapse, as subcontractors at the site noticed that the metal beams forming the building's structure appeared to be twisting or lacking proper bracing.
Big D Builders, located in Meridian, Idaho, chose not to provide a statement regarding the lawsuit. Both Inland Crane, located in Boise, and Steel Building Systems, situated in Emmett, Idaho, offered their condolences to the families of the victims through written statements.
Idaho Hangar Collapse
During the incident, Sontay and Coc were in the process of fastening bolts to ensure the stability of the rafters of the building. They were positioned on a manlift that elevated them approximately 40 feet (12.19 meters) above the ground. Strong winds swept through the airport, with speeds ranging from 25 to 35 miles per hour (about 40 to 56 kilometers per hour).
At approximately 5 p.m., individuals in the vicinity reported hearing a series of abrupt sounds resembling pops, accompanied by a distinct and forceful roaring noise. While some individuals managed to escape the building unharmed, unfortunately, others found themselves trapped inside.
A lift carrying Coc and Sontay crashed to the ground after being hit by a falling rafter. The individual, who had relocated to the United States from Guatemala in 2020, passed away immediately.
Sontay, a Guatemalan citizen who arrived in the US in 2021, tragically passed away from his injuries approximately five minutes later. According to the lawsuit, both men were financially responsible for their families back in their home countries.
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