Early Saturday, a U‑Haul truck exploded in the Old Navy parking lot in Lewiston, Idaho, killing 61‑year‑old Douglas Petersen. Investigators say the vehicle carried stored materials, including gasoline and propane tanks, and preliminary findings point to an accidental blast. Nearby businesses were damaged but no sustained fire followed. Multiple agencies responded and the investigation is ongoing; residents have been asked to avoid the area.
U‑Haul Truck Explodes in Lewiston Shopping Center, Killing 61-Year-Old Man
One person killed after U-Haul truck explodes in Idaho retail shopping center parking lot
One person was killed after a U‑Haul truck exploded early Saturday morning in the parking lot of an Old Navy store in Lewiston, Idaho, officials said.
What Happened
The blast occurred at about 7:15 a.m. in the shopping center just across the border from Washington state. The Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Douglas Petersen, 61.
Preliminary Findings
Investigators say the truck appeared to be carrying stored materials, including gasoline and propane tanks. Preliminary findings indicate the explosion was accidental, and authorities have said there is no indication the incident is criminal in nature.
The explosion caused damage to nearby businesses, including Old Navy and the Courtyard Marriott Saturday in Lewiston, Idaho. (Lewiston Fire Department )
"At this time, there is no indication the incident is criminal in nature," Lewiston Fire Marshal Julian Sorrell said in a statement.
Response And Impact
The blast caused damage to nearby businesses, including the Old Navy store and the Courtyard Marriott. Officials reported that no sustained fire erupted after the explosion. Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Lewiston Fire Department, Lewiston Police Department, Idaho State Police, the City of Lewiston Streets Division and Nez Perce County officials.
Authorities said there is no immediate threat to the public but asked residents and visitors to avoid the area to allow emergency crews and investigators to work safely. The investigation into the cause of the explosion remains ongoing.
Related Incident
Officials also noted that a separate home explosion near Hayward in the San Francisco Bay Area earlier in the week left six people hospitalized.
