Three people were killed and five others injured after two empty oil tanks, which were undergoing maintenance at a gas station in central China, exploded, local sources said.

The explosion occurred at around 10:40 AM on Wednesday at the Xingwang Gas Station in Shuangfupu Town, Hunan Province, according to the local public security bureau.

The subsequent fire was put out two hours later. An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway.

(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2006)