UPDATE: December 13, 2025 3:43 p.m.
Lewiston Police Department said it concluded its investigation and determined propane had leaked within the truck’s cargo. The exact source of ignition was not confirmed.
The property was turned over to the owners for post-incident remediation.
The Nez Perce County Coroner identified the victim of the explosion as 61-year-old Douglas R. Peterson, from Meridian.
LEWISTON, Idaho – One person is dead after a U-Haul exploded in a parking lot of an Old Navy in Lewiston, according to the Lewiston Police Department.
The department said the explosion was reported at 7:15 a.m.
Responding authorities said the explosion involved the U-Haul and caused damage within the blast radius to nearby businesses, including the Courtyard Marriot, Old Navy and others.
The U-Haul was transporting flammable materials like gasoline and propane tanks, the department said in its release about the explosion.
Investigation into the incident is being led by Lewiston Fire Marshal Julian Sorrell.
“At this time, there is no indication the incident is criminal in nature,” Sorrell said.
The Lewiston Police Department said there is no threat to the public, but asked people to avoid the area.
Article originally posted December 13, 2025 9:09 a.m.
