61-Year-Old Dies After U-Haul Truck Explosion in Idaho, Police Rule Out Crime

61-Year-Old Dies After U-Haul Truck Explosion in Idaho, Police Rule Out Crime

A 61-year-old man was killed after a rental truck exploded in a parking area in Lewiston, Idaho, in the United States on Saturday morning. Authorities have said the incident was accidental and have ruled out any criminal involvement.

The explosion occurred in the parking lot of an Old Navy store and involved a truck belonging to rental company U-Haul. The victim was identified as Douglas Petersen, according to local media reports.

Emergency services, including the Lewiston Police Department, Lewiston Fire Department, Idaho State Police, the City of Lewiston Streets Division and Nez Perce County officials, rushed to the scene following the blast. A joint statement issued by the agencies said the truck was carrying stored materials, including gasoline and propane tanks, which likely triggered the explosion.

Lewiston Fire Marshal Julian Sorrell later confirmed that investigators found no evidence suggesting foul play. Officials emphasised that the incident appeared to be accidental in nature.

While no additional fatalities were reported, the explosion caused damage to nearby commercial properties, including the Old Navy store and a Courtyard Marriott hotel. Authorities said there was no immediate threat to public safety but urged people to avoid the area to allow emergency crews and investigators to complete their work.

An investigation into the exact cause of the explosion is currently underway.

Prev Article
H-1B, H-4 Visas Prudentially Revoked in US Amid Interview Delays in India
Next Article
2 Killed, 8 Critically Injured in Brown University Shooting, FBI Assists Probe

Related to this topic: