U-Haul truck explosion in Lewiston, Idaho, kills 61-year-old; authorities say blast appears accidental
A U-Haul truck exploded in a Lewiston shopping center early Friday, killing 61-year-old Douglas Petersen and leaving heavy vehicle and property damage. Authorities say the blast appears accidental; investigators are examining fuel or mechanical ignition inside the truck.
- Victim: Douglas Petersen, 61, pronounced dead at the scene by the Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office.
- Location & time: Old Navy parking lot at Nez Perce Plaza, 1703 17th Street, Lewiston, Idaho — about 7:15 a.m. MT on Dec. 12, 2025.
- Investigation: Lewiston Fire Department and multiple agencies say preliminary evidence points to an accidental blast; fuel or mechanical ignition is under review.
- Public impact: Nez Perce Plaza temporarily closed for inspections; no additional injuries reported.
What happened
Emergency dispatchers received 911 calls just after 7:15 a.m. reporting a loud explosion in the Old Navy parking lot at Nez Perce Plaza. Fire and EMS crews arrived within minutes to find a U-Haul truck destroyed by a blast and one occupant, later identified as Douglas Petersen, suffering fatal injuries.
First responders secured the scene while investigators from the Lewiston Fire Department and the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office conducted an on-site inquiry. Officials described a violent detonation that left a crater in the asphalt, scattered debris across the lot and damaged nearby vehicles and storefront windows.
Store employees said they heard a boom then saw smoke as they arrived to open the center; the early hour likely kept bystander injuries to zero. Local media captured aerial imagery showing the blast site and the crater.
Victim identified
The Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office confirmed the deceased as 61-year-old Douglas Petersen. Coroner officials said he was the sole occupant of the U-Haul and was pronounced dead at the scene from blast-related injuries. Further personal details and next-of-kin notification are being handled by authorities.
Scene and damage
Responders found the U-Haul nearly destroyed, with metal fragments and burned material scattered up to 50 feet away. Several nearby vehicles suffered shrapnel damage and some storefront windows at Old Navy and adjacent shops were cracked. Fire officials noted the blast did not spread to buildings and there was no structural collapse.
Nez Perce Plaza was evacuated and cordoned off for inspections. Business owners reported temporary closures while inspectors assessed structural and safety concerns; U.S. Highway 95, bordering the center, experienced early traffic delays as crews worked the scene.
Official statements and investigation
Lewiston Fire Chief Greg Wheatley told reporters: “This appears to be an accidental explosion, possibly related to a mechanical failure or fuel vapor ignition inside the truck.”
Investigators are examining whether fuel, propane cylinders, gasoline vapors or a mechanical fault triggered the detonation.
Nez Perce County Sheriff Joe Rodriguez said there was no evidence of suspicious activity. Bomb squad personnel and ATF agents were called, then stood down when criminal intent was not indicated. The Idaho State Fire Marshal will perform detailed vehicle forensics; an autopsy and toxicology tests are pending and may take one to two weeks.
U-Haul’s response
U-Haul confirmed the vehicle was a rental and said the company is cooperating with investigators while withholding additional details during the active probe. In active investigations, U-Haul typically directs inquiries about specific rentals to local law enforcement.
Early hypotheses
Investigators are considering multiple fuel-related scenarios. U-Haul’s fleet includes gasoline, diesel and some compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles; officials are examining whether stored propane cylinders, spilled gasoline fumes or a mechanical fault could have caused an internal ignition. Authorities stressed these are preliminary theories pending detailed forensics.
Community response and business impact
Nez Perce Plaza was closed for safety checks and remained shuttered into the afternoon of Dec. 13 while inspections continued. Store managers praised first responders and expressed concern for staff and customers. Local leaders offered sympathy to Petersen’s family and emphasized a transparent investigation.
Residents described shock that a routine morning could turn deadly; county officials urged anyone with information or surveillance footage from around 7 a.m. to contact investigators.
Agencies involved and timeline
- Responders: Lewiston Fire Department and Lewiston Police Department secured the scene.
- Investigation support: Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Fire Marshal, ATF and FBI were notified; ATF later indicated no criminal cause evident.
Timeline (local time):
- 7:15 a.m.: Explosion reported by 911 callers.
- 7:20 a.m.: Fire and EMS arrive and secure the scene.
- 8:00 a.m.: Bomb squad and federal agents evaluate the site; victim pronounced dead.
- 10:00 a.m.: Public statements released indicating a preliminary accidental determination.
Implications
Safety and regulation: The blast highlights the need for clear safety checks on rental trucks and fleet vehicles, guidance on transporting fuels and pressurized cylinders, and potential manufacturer or maintenance reviews.
Emergency readiness: The coordinated local, state and federal response illustrates standard protocol; communities should review response times, interagency communication and public information strategies.
Legal and insurance: A determination of accidental cause will shape insurance claims, liability assessments and any civil inquiries involving rental companies, manufacturers or maintenance providers.
Reporting and sources
This report draws on official statements and local media coverage, including the Associated Press, the Idaho Statesman, KLEW-TV (Lewiston) and the Spokesman-Review, along with releases from the Lewiston Fire Department and the Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office.
Federal resources referenced include the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation — Explosives response.
Officials cautioned findings are preliminary and may change as vehicle forensics and autopsy results are completed.
