One Person Killed in U-Haul Truck Explosion at Idaho Shopping Center
LEWISTON, Idaho — A devastating explosion involving a U-Haul truck early Saturday morning left one person dead and caused significant damage to nearby businesses in a retail shopping center parking lot. The blast occurred around 7:15 a.m. outside an Old Navy store in Lewiston, just across the border from Washington state. Authorities identified the victim as 61-year-old Douglas Petersen, according to the Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office.
Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was accidental. Officials from the Lewiston Police Department and Lewiston Fire Department jointly reported that the truck was carrying stored materials, including gasoline and propane tanks, which likely contributed to the severity of the blast. Lewiston Fire Marshal Julian Sorrell emphasized that there is currently no indication the incident was criminal in nature.
The explosion caused damage not only to the Old Navy but also to the nearby Courtyard Marriott hotel, raising concerns among local business owners and residents. Despite the force of the blast, no fire erupted afterward, allowing emergency responders to focus on securing the scene and assisting with the investigation.
Multiple agencies responded swiftly to the incident, including the Lewiston Fire Department, Lewiston Police Department, Idaho State Police, the City of Lewiston Streets Division, and Nez Perce County officials. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to safely complete their work.
This tragic event adds to a series of recent explosions across the country, including a home blast near Hayward in California earlier this week that hospitalized six people. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have protocols in place for investigating such incidents to determine causes and recommend safety improvements.
Residents seeking updates and safety information can refer to the Lewiston Police Department’s official website (City of Lewiston) and the Idaho State Police (ISP). The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the explosion.
As the community mourns the loss of Douglas Petersen, officials continue to assess the damage and ensure public safety in the affected area. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by transporting hazardous materials and the importance of stringent safety measures.
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