Authorities investigate explosion, death

Local authorities are investigating a structure fire near the Cascades neighborhood, after firefighters found a body inside the building.

A Manatee County Sheriff's Office report states firefighters from Southern Manatee Fire Rescue responded to a shed fire around 12:20 p.m. today in the 5400 block of 36th Street East and discovered a body inside the structure while they worked to put out the flames.

Neighbors said they heard an explosion before the fire started.

The victim is believed to be a 20-year-old male, but positive identification has not yet been made, the report states. The male is related to the person living at the residence and was at the residence doing yard work.

Southern Manatee Fire Rescue and the Division of State Fire Marshal are investigating the incident, which appears to be accidental at this time.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].