'Like a bomb': Mum and two kids killed in shocking crash

A woman and her two children have been killed after their car exploded outside the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne.

Police believe the car was travelling southbound on Flemington Road just before 10am on Friday when it struck the curb and crashed into a pole, before exploding into flames.

Police later confirmed the driver, a 35-year-old woman, and her two passengers, a 20-month-old boy, and an eight-year-old girl died at the scene. According to ABC, the three victims were part of one family.

The Shepparton News reported that the woman had apparently just dropped two other children at school, and then visited the Royal Children's Hospital to pick up medication prior to the crash.

3AW morning announcer Neil Mitchell received multiple calls from listeners about the incident on air, with people reporting seeing “black plumes and debris flying everywhere”, one woman saying: “it sounded like a bomb had gone off."

One witness told ABC News the car appeared to have a flat tyre before the driver lost control and collided with the pole.

He said the car was on fire "within seconds" and two or three explosions rang out shortly afterwards.

"The exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined however police have ruled out it being a terrorism incident," Victoria Police said in a statement.

Police are asking any witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to come forward. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

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