BOISE, Idaho — The construction company tasked with building the hangar that collapsed at the Boise Airport killing three of their employees and injuring nine others, released a statement Thursday offering sympathies, support and participation in reuniting the bodies of the deceased with their families, two of which are to be transported to their home country of Guatemala.
In the company's second official statement since the Jan. 31 incident, Big D Builders expressed gratitude for the community's kindness and commitment to the investigation determining the cause of the structure failure. Big D Builders also addressed the media and said they wanted to "share the facts" with the public.
"In recent days, there have been initial reports in the media that may have been well intentioned but are simply not true. We want to share the facts with you: we have worked, and we will continue to work closely with every individual and their family who have been impacted in this tragic accident to ensure all of their needs are met," the statement read.
The statement from Big D Builders follows an interview conducted by KTVB on Wednesday with the brother of one of the victims, in which it was indicated that Big D Builders has committed to paying for the partial transport of two of the victims' bodies. The two victims killed in reference are Mariano Coc Och, 24, and Mario Sontay Tzi, both from Guatemala.
In the interview with Tzi's brother, he expressed that the return of Mario's body to his home country was the family's priority.
However, he was concerned that the company is only funding part of the transport reaching the United States-Mexico border; leaving the families to determine how to bring the two deceased men the remaining distance to their hometown of Carcha, Guatemala.
"We feel bad, but we have to live with the company's [Big D Builders] decision. Right now, we have no choice but to find a way to get him to his destination in Guatemala," Mario's brother explained.
In Big D Builders' statement Thursday, they appeared to acknowledge this indication and concern expressed by Tzi's brother.
"We have been working with the funeral homes that are involved and together are working with all applicable government agencies to ensure each individual will be reunited with their family and their community."
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.
Members from Boise Fire Department, Boise Airport, Ada County Paramedics and Boise Police Department took turns addressing the public in a news conference on Feb. 2, recognizing the disaster and applauding the first responders.
Officials also briefly discussed the status of the collapse investigation - essentially stating that they could not discuss much, as the incident is actively being investigated by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
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Below is the full statement provided by Big D Builders on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024:
"The families and employees of Big D Builders are overwhelmed by the love and support we have received from our community during this extremely difficult time. Your kindness and support have clearly demonstrated that we are not alone in our sorrow. For this, we thank you and know that we will always appreciate your support.
We are mourning for Mario, Mariano, and Craig. Each was deeply loved by our team and the loss is devastating for us and for every family member involved. We are grateful for doctors, nurses, and associated staff, all clergy, individuals and families around the world that are ministering to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each member of our team.
We remain committed to determining exactly why the structure failed and we are currently working with a forensic team, engineers, and OSHA. While we are unable to share any additional information given that the investigation is underway, know that we are working with the various agencies to complete the investigation and determine the cause.
In recent days, there have been initial reports in the media that may have been well intentioned but are simply not true. We want to share the facts with you: we have worked, and we will continue to work closely with every individual and their family who have been impacted in this tragic accident to ensure all of their needs are met. We have been working with the funeral homes that are involved and together are working with all applicable government agencies to ensure each individual will be reunited with their family and their community."
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