1 dead after explosion sparks house fire

PRINCETON, Mass. (AP) -- One person is dead after an explosion that ignited a four-alarm fire and destroyed a home in Princeton.

Officials at the state Fire Marshal's office did not release the name of the victim. But the Telegram & Gazette, quoting neighbors, reported that 61-year-old Rick Conway was living alone in the house that belonged to his mother, who recently moved to a nursing home.

The explosion Thursday blew away the front section of the home. Princeton Acting Fire Chief John Bennett said fire officials believe it was "some sort of gas explosion."

Officials say the body was found near the rear of the house in an office.

The cause of the fire was being investigated.