A gas tanker overturned and exploded on a major highway in China's central province of Hunan on Saturday, killing five people.

Two men were killed instantly when the tanker, carrying liquefied natural gas exploded, and three fire fighters also lost their lives.

Seven vehicles, including two fire trucks were destroyed in the blast.

People nearby were evacuated from their vehicles as about 20 tons of liquefied gas leaked from the tanker.

The wreckage was still burning twenty-four hours later, and the cause of the accident is under investigation.