U-Haul explosion in Lewiston Old Navy parking lot kills 61-year-old Douglas Petersen; investigators say blast was accidental
A U-Haul truck exploded in the Old Navy parking lot at Nez Perce Towne Center in Lewiston, Idaho, on Dec. 11, 2025, killing 61-year-old Douglas Petersen; investigators say the blast was accidental and not criminal.
- Fatality: Douglas Petersen, 61, of Lewiston, identified by the Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office.
- Preliminary finding: Officials describe the blast as accidental with no evidence of explosives or deliberate act.
- Response: Lewiston Fire Department extinguished the blaze; police secured the scene; Idaho State Fire Marshal and ATF consulted.
- Damage: U-Haul destroyed; minor cosmetic damage to a nearby vehicle; nearby stores not structurally harmed.
What happened: sequence of events
Shortly before stores opened on the morning of Dec. 11, witnesses reported a loud blast that resembled thunder. Authorities say a U-Haul truck detonated in the Old Navy parking lot at Nez Perce Towne Center, scattering debris up to 50–100 feet and igniting a fire.
Lewiston Fire Department (LFD) and Lewiston Police Department arrived within minutes. Fire crews quickly contained and extinguished the blaze. First responders found Douglas Petersen inside the heavily damaged cab; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office listed blunt force trauma and thermal injuries as the cause of death in preliminary autopsy findings.
Investigators evacuated nearby businesses briefly and closed adjacent roads while collecting evidence and photographing the wreckage. By that afternoon, debris had been removed and the lot reopened to the public.
Victim and family
The Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim as Douglas Petersen, 61, a Lewiston resident. Local reports indicate Petersen was using the rental U-Haul for routine hauling; whether the trip was personal or work-related has not been publicly confirmed. Family members have requested privacy while officials continue their inquiry.
Investigative findings so far
Officials from LFD, Lewiston Police, the Idaho State Fire Marshal’s office and the Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office described the blast as accidental based on preliminary forensics and witness accounts. Investigators reported no evidence of explosive devices, accelerants linked to arson, or any purposeful act. The ATF was consulted and did not designate the incident as a federal explosives case.
Investigators said the U-Haul may have contained construction or household materials. They are examining whether volatile materials or a fuel-ignition event in the cab or cargo area triggered the explosion. A full technical report could take weeks as specialists analyze vehicle remains and residue samples.
Statements from officials and company
“A tragic accident involving a rented truck with potentially hazardous contents igniting,” — Lewiston Fire Chief Jake Jensen.
Lewiston Police Chief Alan Johnson emphasized there was no threat to the public and said scene evidence and witness accounts led investigators to rule out a deliberate act. The Nez Perce County Coroner Derek Langford confirmed the victim’s identification and cause of death and that family notification was completed. U-Haul said it is cooperating with investigators and extended condolences to Petersen’s family.
Damage assessment and public safety
The U-Haul truck was destroyed; the cab was mangled and cargo scattered. The parking lot showed pockmarks and scorch marks and glass from the truck shattered across the asphalt. One nearby vehicle sustained cosmetic damage. There was no significant structural damage reported to the Old Navy building or neighboring stores.
Officials said the rapid response by fire crews limited further spread and prevented injuries to shoppers and employees. The shopping center reopened later the same day, with normal operations resuming after morning closures.
Local reaction and media coverage
Initial social media speculation and alarm were largely quelled following official statements declaring the blast accidental. Neighbors, shoppers and employees expressed shock and sadness after learning of Petersen’s death.
Reporting outlets covering the incident include Associated Press coverage, Idaho Statesman, KHQ, Fox News, Lewiston Tribune, and CNN. Officials urged the public to allow investigators to finish their work and to respect the family’s privacy.
Safety, regulation and investigative questions
Investigators are concentrating on three primary lines of inquiry:
- Contents of the truck — whether volatile or prohibited materials were present.
- Mechanical and fuel systems — if a fuel or electrical defect could have ignited materials.
- Inadvertent ignition sources — including human error, smoking, or equipment in the cab or cargo area.
Regulators and safety experts may review rental procedures and on-site guidance to confirm that customers are clearly informed about transporting hazardous materials. Any changes or recommendations from the Idaho State Fire Marshal or ATF may take time to develop into formal guidance.
Implications for Paso Robles, California
Economic impact: A single high-profile blast in another state is unlikely to change local shopping patterns but underscores the need for clear safety practices for commercial vehicle rentals and retail parking management.
Policy and public safety: Paso Robles officials may favor nonregulatory steps — public information campaigns, voluntary best-practice checklists for rental companies, and joint training between retailers and local fire departments — before pursuing new ordinances.
Community resilience: Messaging that emphasizes accountability, neighborly vigilance and appreciation for first responders will likely resonate in Paso Robles. Businesses may voluntarily review emergency plans, employee training and parking signage.
Practical applications for residents
Residents who rent U-Haul or similar trucks should:
- Read rental agreements and ask staff about prohibited or hazardous items.
- Secure loads properly and avoid storing flammable liquids or compressed gases in cabs or cargo areas unless explicitly allowed and packaged safely.
- Park rental trucks in designated areas and report suspicious odors, smoke or unsafe loads immediately.
- Keep contact information for local fire department nonemergency lines and follow directions from authorities in an emergency.
Reporting note and ongoing coverage
Authorities in Lewiston say the investigation remains ongoing but that early findings point to an accidental event. Final technical analysis from the Idaho State Fire Marshal and any follow-up statements from the ATF or U-Haul will be monitored and reported as they become available. Journalists and officials urge continued respect for the victim’s family and for investigators working to determine the precise cause and sequence of events.
