Update: Identities Released And Possible Cause Named In Connection With Deadly Fire In Palermo

Authorities have a better idea of what may have caused a deadly fire on the Leeman Arm Road in Palermo that killed one person and sent another to the hospital with severe injuries.

Read More: Investigation Underway After Serious Fire In Palermo, Maine

The fire broke out around 11:30 p.m. on Monday. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found a badly burned adult male, who informed them that there was still someone inside the home. The injured man was LifeFlighted to Maine Medical Center for his injuries, where authorities say his condition is critical.

Get our free mobile app

According to Maine's Department of Public Safety, several members of the State Fire Marshal's Office spent the afternoon on the scene in Palermo on Tuesday. They located the remains of the second individual who was unaccounted for at the time of the fire. The body was sent to Augusta to be identified, and so the Medical Examiner's office can determine how the person died.

Authorities believe the fire was initially started as a result of an explosion.

"Investigators believe there may have been an explosion inside the residence before the fire. The home was supplied with propane gas for appliances and heating. State Propane Inspectors assisted Investigators at the scene, and the cause of the explosion remains under investigation."

While they are still waiting on a positive ID from the Chief Medical Examiner, authorities believe the remains they discovered inside the home, after the fire, belonged to 64-year-old Gary Crane Sr. His son is the man they found badly burned outside of the home and had to be LifeFlighted to Portland.

"His son, 45-year-old Gary Crane remains in critical condition at Maine Medical Center in Portland."

They say the investigation is still ongoing.

Read More: Investigating A Tragic House Fire In Cambridge, Maine

Just last month, a home on Lakeview Drive in Oakland was destroyed due to an explosion, and 66-year-old Cliff Hannon had to be LifeFlighted to Maine Medical Center in Portland due to his injuries.