One killed in Lewiston U-Haul explosion; preliminary findings point to accidental propane blast
Douglas R. Petersen, 61, of Meridian, Idaho, died after a U-Haul truck exploded around 7:15 a.m. on Dec. 13, 2025, in the Old Navy parking lot in Lewiston; investigators say propane in the cargo box likely fueled the blast.
Key takeaways
- Fatality: Douglas R. Petersen, 61, of Meridian, Idaho, was confirmed dead by the Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office. (Source: KLEW)
- Location and time: Explosion in the Old Navy parking lot in Lewiston at about 7:15 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Source: KLEW)
- Preliminary cause: Early investigators say propane stored in the U-Haul truck’s cargo box likely fueled an accidental blast. (Source: KLEW)
Details of the incident
Authorities responded to a large explosion reported in the Old Navy parking lot in Lewiston just after 7 a.m. on Saturday. Investigators later identified a U-Haul truck as the source of the blast. The Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office confirmed Douglas R. Petersen, 61, a resident of Meridian, Idaho, as the sole fatality.
Early investigative work by local law enforcement and first responders pointed to propane stored in the truck’s cargo box as the likely fuel for the blast. Officials described the explosion as accidental in preliminary findings, but investigators have not released a final determination on the ignition source or a full sequence of events leading up to the detonation. No other fatalities have been reported, and local coverage did not list any additional injuries at the time of reporting. (Source: KLEW)
What investigators have said so far
Police and fire officials have been cautious in public statements, saying early evidence shows propane in the cargo area likely fueled the explosion. That suggests the gas either leaked into the enclosed space or was somehow present and then ignited. Officials have not provided a cause for any leak, nor have they said whether the propane was stored in approved containers or whether safety protocols were followed.
“Officials typically await laboratory tests and a full scene analysis before releasing final conclusions,” public statements noted as investigators continue processing evidence.
Scene and damage
Local news reports did not provide detailed descriptions of damage beyond the immediate report of a large blast in the parking lot. The shopping center is along the Idaho–Washington border and would have had nearby businesses and possibly early-morning shoppers or employees present.
Notable: The absence of reported additional injuries is notable, but officials have not released a comprehensive damage assessment. Investigators will need to document the scene, interview witnesses, and process physical evidence in the coming days.
Reporting timeline and public information
The incident was reported on Saturday, Dec. 13. The victim’s name was released later that day at approximately 3:33 p.m., according to local coverage. Media coverage — including an initial report archived by CBS2 News and carried by KLEW — identified the event as a Meridian man killed in the Lewiston U-Haul explosion and highlighted the role of propane in the blast.
Beyond those initial details, search results and reporting have yielded limited publicly available information about witness accounts, the extent of property damage, or whether any citations or safety violations may be involved.
Safety and regulatory context
The preliminary finding that propane in the cargo box led to an accidental blast raises questions about safe handling and storage of flammable gases in moving vehicles. State and federal rules govern the transport of compressed gases, and rental truck companies have guidelines about what can be carried in their vehicles.
Investigators will likely examine whether propane tanks were stored in approved upright positions, secured, and valve-protected, and whether the containers were designed for transport. Local regulators and first responders will also review whether rules for retail parking-lot activities—such as vehicle maintenance, fueling, or storage of hazardous materials—were followed.
Sources and next steps in the probe
The Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identity of the deceased, and local law enforcement agencies are leading the blast investigation. Officials have not yet released the results of forensic testing or any final determination about the ignition source. As with many incidents involving potential hazardous materials, final conclusions will depend on laboratory analyses and a thorough review of witness statements, vehicle conditions, and any surveillance footage available from nearby businesses. (Source: KLEW)
Community response
Neighbors and retail workers in the area expressed shock when the explosion was reported. While detailed eyewitness accounts have not been widely published, such events often trigger immediate steps by local businesses to ensure safety for employees and customers, including temporary closures, safety checks, and communication with authorities.
Emergency services typically review response times and procedures after major incidents to find lessons for future emergencies.
Implications for Hesperia, California
Although the incident occurred in Lewiston, the preliminary findings have local relevance for communities such as Hesperia. Possible impacts include:
- Economic: Short-term shifts in customer behavior at shopping centers and retail parking areas; property owners might emphasize safety signage and staff training.
- Political: For conservative audiences, the event may spur calls for pragmatic enforcement and targeted safety reviews rather than broad new regulations.
- Social and cultural: Communities may re-emphasize personal responsibility and commonsense safety practices for propane handling and transport.
Practical steps for Hesperia residents and officials
Community members and officials can take several practical measures to reduce risk and increase preparedness:
- Inspect propane tanks before transport to ensure valve caps and fittings are secure.
- Avoid storing propane cylinders in enclosed vehicle cargo areas for extended periods.
- Secure tanks upright and in well-ventilated compartments when transporting.
- Review rental-truck rules and ask rental providers for clear guidance on prohibited hazardous items.
- Report visible leaks or damaged tanks to local fire authorities immediately.
Reporting notes and sources
This report is based on initial local coverage of the incident published by KLEW. The Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim and preliminary findings that point to propane in the cargo box of the U-Haul truck as the cause of the blast. At press time, investigators described the explosion as accidental and said the probe is ongoing. (Source: KLEW)
Readers with information or relevant footage from the scene on Dec. 13 are asked to contact local law enforcement in Lewiston. (Source: KLEW)
