Two people injured in Longford boat fire

Two people have been taken to hospital after an explosion on board a cruiser on the River Shannon.

A mother and child are being treated for serious burns after the incident at Lanesboro, Co Longford.

The incident occurred at 4.40pm this evening when witnesses heard a loud explosion.

The injured are believed to be in a serious condition but stable.

The cruiser was being used by husband and wife and three children believed to be from Dublin.

They were on holidays in the area.

Gardai suspect the explosion may have been caused by a gas leakage.

Gardai and members of the Fire service are still at the scene, which has been preserved for technical examination.