At least 12 persons fell sick near the navy headquarters at Banani yesterday afternoon, after inhaling gas from a cylinder which burst while being carried in a pick-up van.

Among the victims, eight were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and the others being treated in nearby hospitals.

Those admitted to DMCH were released later in the evening after being treated.

Imon Matabbar, who carried the victims to DMCH, said a pick-up-van carrying gas cylinders was waiting near the navy headquarters in a traffic jam when one of those suddenly exploded, causing the gas to spread and making over a dozen passers-by and passengers of nearby vehicles sick.

An official of fire service said a unit of fire fighters reached the spot but found no fire.

Sub-inspector of Banani Police Station Abdul Baten said driver of the pick-up van also fell sick. “We have seized the van,” he said.