I think the tank that they point out lying there is probably something to do with exhaust, maybe a cross flow system or something. It might be an oil tank if it's a dry sump or it could be an auxillary. I think it's more to do with exhaust because it looks like it has some > 1" inlets/holes on it. Too large for fuel lines, unless it's the filler hose I guess.

Still based on the news story and some of those photos, the car looks like it came to a rolling stop after the motor was blown out of it. It looks like the chassis was bent in the 'splosion.