Fire That Killed Saco Man Called Arson

An explosion and fire at a home in Saco has claimed the life of a 70-year old man.

The explosion happened about 1:30 Tuesday morning. The man's body was pulled from the debris following the blast.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office says the cause of the fire was gasoline being doused both inside and outside the mobile home.   Investigators believe the victim is 71 year old Stephen Laughton who started the fire.  His positive ID will come from the State Medical Examiner’s Office after further work.  Investigators say it was arson and no one else was involved. There also was several propane tanks inside the mobile home which may have been also set off by the fire.

Most of the home was destroyed along with two vehicles outsiide near the home.

Neighbors of the man said they heard what sounded like an earthquake and then a popping sound from what could have been ammunition in the home. One of the neighbors said the home was engulfed in flames when he looked out the window.