A deadly accidental ignition occurred in an Idaho parking lot. A U-Haul truck explosion killed one person Saturday morning. The accidental ignition occurred around seven fifteen a.m. It happened at a Lewiston retail shopping center. The blast site was near an Old Navy store. Authorities identified the victim as Douglas Petersen. He was sixty-one years old according to officials.
Furthermore, preliminary findings suggest no criminal intent. The fire marshal cited stored materials as the cause. The truck contained gasoline and propane tanks. This dangerous combination likely fueled the violent explosion. The blast damaged several nearby businesses significantly. Those businesses included Old Navy and a Courtyard Marriott. Fortunately, no fire erupted after the initial explosion.
Consequently, multiple agencies responded to the emergency scene. Lewiston Police and Fire Departments arrived first. Idaho State Police also provided immediate assistance. The City Streets Division and county officials helped too. Investigators quickly cleared the area of any threat. They still asked the public to avoid the location. This allowed crews to work safely and effectively.
Meanwhile, the investigation remains fully open and ongoing. Officials confirmed no further danger to the public. The accidental ignition occurred during early morning hours. The shopping center parking lot was likely quiet. This tragic incident highlights the dangers of material storage. Proper handling of flammable items is clearly essential. The community now mourns the loss of one life.
