Seven people lost their lives, and three others suffered injuries due to suffocation, in a major fire that erupted in a car shed during car repairs in Bazaraghat, Nampally area of Hyderabad city on Monday.

According to the police, the fire originated in the car shed situated on the ground floor of a four-storied apartment.

The flames quickly spread to another room where chemical drums were stored, engulfing the entire apartment, including the cellar.

Upon receiving the information, four fire tenders rushed to the scene to extinguish the flames.

The residents of the apartment were evacuated with the assistance of a ladder, provided by the fire personnel through the windows.

Nearby residents were alarmed, fearing the fire might spread to their houses.

The surrounding areas of the apartment were affected by the spreading smoke from the chemicals.

Meanwhile, DCP Venkateswarlu, who visited the spot, informed the media that a few of them were killed, and three others were injured due to suffocation. The exact number of deceased will be known only after verification.

(With UNI inputs)