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Idaho U-Haul Explosion That Killed Driver Attributed to Propane Leak

Investigators describe an accidental blast after finding evidence of a propane leak inside the truck’s cargo box.

Overview

  • The explosion occurred around 7:15 a.m. on Dec. 13 in the Old Navy parking lot in Lewiston, Idaho.
  • The victim was identified by the Nez Perce County Coroner as 61-year-old Douglas R. Petersen of Meridian.
  • Old Navy and a nearby Courtyard Marriott sustained damage, no fire followed the blast, and no additional injuries were reported.
  • Officials said there is no indication of criminal activity as agencies completed on-scene work and turned the property over to the owners.
  • Early findings noted stored gasoline and propane in the truck; the exact ignition source remains undetermined.