U-Haul Explodes in Idaho Shopping Center Parking Lot, Killing One
A fatal vehicle explosion in a retail parking lot affected nearby businesses, customers and emergency services in Lewiston, Idaho.
A U-Haul truck exploded Saturday morning, Dec. 13, in the parking lot of a shopping center in Lewiston, Idaho, leaving one person dead and damaging nearby buildings, according to local officials.
The Lewiston Fire Department said the blast occurred at about 7:15 a.m. and affected structures within the immediate area, including a Courtyard Marriott and an Old Navy.
Investigators said available evidence pointed to an accidental incident involving a propane leak inside the truck’s cargo area, and officials reported no indication the event was criminal.
The ignition source was not determined. The case has public-interest relevance because consumer rental trucks are widely used for moving and storage, and the incident highlights the safety consequences of transporting or storing pressurized gas and flammable liquids in enclosed cargo spaces.
What Officials Said Caused the Blast
The Lewiston Fire Department said evidence indicated propane was leaking within the truck’s cargo box, and it reported that the exact ignition source could not be determined.
Officials also said there was no indication the incident was criminal in nature.
Victim Identified and Why Enclosed Propane Leaks Pose Serious Risks
The Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office identified the person killed in the explosion as 61-year-old Douglas Petersen of Meridian, Idaho, according to Idaho news reports citing the coroner.
Some media outlets have included the middle initial “R.” in Petersen’s name, though officials’ releases and subsequent reporting have not been consistent on that detail. Authorities have confirmed no additional fatalities.
Public safety guidance explains why investigators focused on propane as a key factor.
Propane is a highly flammable gas that can accumulate rapidly if it leaks inside an enclosed or poorly ventilated space, creating an explosion hazard even without an open flame. State and federal safety materials consistently warn that confined buildup significantly increases the risk of ignition and blast force.
Safety Regulations and the Official Response in Lewiston
Federal hazardous materials regulations set out how pressurized gas cylinders and other regulated materials must be packaged, secured and transported to reduce the risk of leaks, fires and explosions.
These requirements, detailed in federal transport rules such as 49 CFR, place responsibility on parties involved in shipping and handling hazardous materials to ensure containers meet safety standards and are properly managed during transport.
U.S. consumer safety guidance has also emphasized that tank design, valves and maintenance are critical in preventing leaks that can lead to explosions.
Following the Lewiston explosion, officials said multiple local and state agencies responded to secure the area, assess structural damage and conduct the investigation.
After investigators concluded their work and determined there was no criminal element, the property was released to owners for post-incident remediation, according to official updates and local reporting.
What the Lewiston Explosion Means for Everyday Public Safety
The Lewiston incident, in which a U-Haul explodes in a shopping center parking lot, resulted in one death and caused damage in a commercial area routinely used by shoppers, hotel guests and workers.
Authorities said the available evidence indicated a propane leak inside the truck’s cargo box and stressed that there was no indication of criminal intent, though the specific ignition source could not be identified.
Beyond the immediate damage, the case draws attention to the everyday risks associated with transporting pressurized gas and flammable materials in enclosed rental vehicles, a practice common during moves and commercial deliveries.
For the community, the next steps center on site remediation and whether local or state agencies issue further safety guidance following the completed investigation.
