One killed in Lewiston U-Haul explosion; authorities say blast likely accidental
A 61-year-old man, Douglas R. Petersen of Meridian, died after a U-Haul exploded about 7:15 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025, in an Old Navy parking lot in Lewiston; authorities say propane likely caused the accidental blast.
Key takeaways
- Fatality: Douglas R. Petersen, 61, of Meridian, was killed in the U-Haul explosion; identity confirmed by the Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office.
- Probable cause: Preliminary investigators say *propane stored in the truck’s cargo box* likely caused the blast and officials describe the event as accidental.
- Timing and location: The explosion occurred at about 7:15 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in the Old Navy parking lot of a Lewiston retail shopping center.
- Ongoing probe: Local authorities continue investigating ignition source, property damage and whether safety rules or statutes were violated.
- Local reporting: Coverage and official statements cited from KLEW-TV.
What happened
Shortly before 7:15 a.m.Douglas R. Petersen, 61, of Meridian, the Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office said.
Eyewitnesses described a loud blast and visible damage at the scene. Authorities have not yet released details about other injuries or the degree of structural damage to nearby stores. Investigators are concentrating on the truck’s cargo area, where propane was found and is believed to have been the source of the explosion; officials called findings preliminary and did not specify an ignition source.
Local coverage of the incident is available from KLEW-TV.
Investigation and official statements
Local law enforcement and the Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office led the on-scene response and follow-up investigation. The coroner’s office released the victim’s name and age as part of routine public reporting. Investigators said preliminary findings point to an accidental explosion related to propane stored inside the truck’s cargo box, but emphasized the probe remains active.
“Preliminary investigators say propane stored in the truck’s cargo box likely caused the blast,” officials reported in local briefings and media coverage.
Additional forensic work and interviews will be required to determine a definitive cause and whether any safety rules or criminal statutes were violated. At the time of reporting, neither U-Haul nor Old Navy had issued public statements to local outlets.
Safety and regulatory context
Propane is commonly used for grilling, heating and equipment, but it is regulated when transported in certain quantities. Storing cylinders in enclosed vehicle compartments can allow leaks to accumulate and create an explosive atmosphere if an ignition source is present.
Investigators will examine whether containers were approved for transport, valves were secured, and whether the vehicle provided ventilation to prevent gas buildup. They will likely review federal and state transport rules, rental company policies, and safety guidance from regulatory bodies.
Questions investigators will examine
- Were propane cylinders approved and secured according to safety rules?
- Was the U-Haul a customer rental, and what did the rental agreement permit?
- Did vehicle modifications or cargo-area alterations increase risk?
- What was the ignition source, if investigators can determine one?
- Could clearer rental policies, labeling or education have prevented the event?
Douglas R. Petersen: background and community impact
Authorities identified the victim as Douglas R. Petersen, 61, of Meridian; the coroner’s office released his identity as part of standard reporting on a fatality. Few personal details have been released publicly. Local residents and officials in the Lewiston area were stunned by the event, which occurred during morning business hours and is likely to have an emotional impact on the family and the community.
Broader implications
Economic impact: An isolated blast like this is unlikely to affect national markets, but it can impose repair costs, insurance claims and temporary business interruptions at the retail center. Rental companies may face customer questions and reviews of safety training and communications.
Political and social effects: The incident will likely spark debate about private responsibility and regulation, and could prompt calls for clearer rental-company policies or regulatory review. Locally, the blast underscores the need for cross-jurisdictional emergency planning in border communities such as Lewiston.
Practical applications for residents and businesses
- Follow manufacturer guidance for transporting propane and other fuels.
- Avoid storing propane cylinders in enclosed vehicle cargo spaces; transport upright and secured outside enclosed compartments when possible.
- Rental companies should clearly communicate policies and warnings at pickup points and in rental agreements.
- Parking lot operators and retail centers should inspect for safety risks and coordinate response plans with emergency services.
- Individuals should consult local fire departments or public safety officials if unsure how to transport propane safely.
Next steps in the investigation
Authorities are continuing the probe to determine the precise cause of the explosion and whether any violations occurred. Officials will likely release more details after forensic examinations and interviews. For ongoing updates, see local reporting by KLEW-TV.
Sources
This article is based on local reporting from KLEW-TV, December 13, 2025, and statements from the Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office. (Reporting by Times Media Service; local coverage cited from KLEW-TV.)
