Meridian man killed in Lewiston U-haul explosion; Coroner releases identity
An explosion involving a U-haul truck in Lewiston left a Meridian man dead on Saturday morning.
The Nez Perce Coroner’s Office identified the man as 61-year-old Douglas Petersen. He was found dead after an explosion was reported in an Old Navy store parking lot in Lewiston at about 7:15 a.m.
According to a press release from the City of Lewiston, a preliminary investigation indicated the incident was an accident. The explosion caused damage to nearby businesses, including a Courtyard Marriott and Old Navy.
The truck was transporting stored materials, including gasoline and propane tanks, and evidence indicates that propane was leaking within the truck’s cargo box. But officials say the exact source of ignition could not be determined.
The Lewiston Fire Department concluded its investigation into the incident.
This story was originally published December 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM with the headline "Meridian man killed in Lewiston U-haul explosion; Coroner releases identity."
