Man found dead after explosion, fire in Coram, Suffolk police say

Detectives suspect a malfunctioning propane heater sparked an explosion and fire that led to the discovery of a dead homeless man Tuesday in a wooded area in Coram, Suffolk police said Wednesday.

The 63-year-old man, whose identity was not released, was found dead shortly before sunset Tuesday, officials said. The cause of death remained under investigation Wednesday, police said.

Investigators, responding to a 911 call reporting smoke, also found a vehicle in the area off Middle Country Road, police said. Whether the man was inside the car was not released.

With Joan Gralla