1 person dead after U-Haul truck explodes in shopping center parking lot: Idaho
The blast happened around 7:15 a.m. in the parking lot of an Old Navy store in Lewiston, Idaho, just across the border from Washington state. Douglas Petersen, 61, was killed in the blast, according to the Nez Perce County Coroner’s Office.
Investigators say the truck appeared to be carrying stored materials, including gasoline and propane tanks, according to a joint statement from the Lewiston Police Department and Lewiston Fire Department.
“At this time, there is no indication the incident is criminal in nature,” Lewiston Fire Marshal Julian Sorrell said in a statement.
The explosion caused damage to nearby businesses, including Old Navy and the Courtyard Marriott. No fire erupted after the blast, officials said.
Preliminary findings suggest it was accidental.
