Tragic Incident and Legal Action
The families of two construction workers who died when an airport hangar collapsed in Boise, Idaho, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against several companies involved in the construction. The lawsuit alleges that the companies recklessly cut corners and used inappropriate materials, leading to the tragic collapse on January 31.
Victims and Circumstances
Mario Sontay, 32, and Mariano Coc, 24, were working on the hangar at Boise airport when high winds caused the structure to collapse, killing them and one other worker while injuring nine others. Both men had been assigned to the hangar project by Big D Builders just six days before the incident to meet a looming contract deadline.
Allegations of Negligence
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, names Big D Builders, Steel Building Systems, Inland Crane, and Speck Steel as defendants. It alleges that these companies rushed the construction process, ignored warnings about structural issues, and used substandard materials.
“Many subcontractors were critical of the rushed schedule,” attorneys Enrique Serna and Jane Gordon wrote in the lawsuit. They cited various issues, including “cutting of corners,” “bowing of beams,” snapping cables, and inadequate bracing.
Statements from Companies
Big D Builders declined to comment on the lawsuit. Inland Crane and Steel Building Systems expressed condolences to the victims’ families but denied responsibility.
“While we mourn the loss of our partners, friends, and colleagues, all evidence demonstrates that Inland Crane and our employees are not at fault for this tragedy,” Inland Crane stated.
“Family is the core of who we are at Steel Building Systems,” co-owner Andy Speck wrote. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and their families. We cannot speak to a majority of the complaints filed as SBS was not the installer of the metal building, nor did we possess or demonstrate any authority over job site operations.”
Day of the Collapse
On January 31, Sontay and Coc were securing rafters from a manlift 40 feet above the ground when strong winds, reaching 25-35 miles per hour, struck the hangar. Witnesses reported hearing popping noises and a loud roar before the structure collapsed. The lift was hit by a falling rafter, causing it to crash to the ground, instantly killing Coc and fatally injuring Sontay.
