Victim found inside burning St. Louis-area home

HIGH RIDGE, Mo. (AP) - Firefighters are investigating the cause of a house fire after a man's body was found inside the burned-out home.

The fire broke out around 4 a.m. Tuesday near High Ridge in Jefferson County, near St. Louis. Neighbors told fire officials they heard an explosion, then saw the house on fire.

The victim was identified as 24-year-old Charles Odell of Fenton, who had been staying at the home by himself.

Authorities say the fire apparently began in a bedroom.