A significant fire that started at an electric bike store in Secunderabad late on Monday night spread to a hotel placed above it, killing at least seven people and injuring another 13, according to the police.
"In all, seven people perished. After midnight, Hyderabad police commissioner C V Anand spoke to media about the victims of the fire.
Later, another victim of burn injuries died, bringing the total number of fatalities to eight, according to Chandana Deepti, DCP, North Zone, Hyderabad.
A short circuit is thought to have started the fire in the electric bike dealership that led to the explosion of one vehicle after another, according to preliminary inquiry. The fire brigade was informed by hotel workers and visitors who saw the fire and smoke.
According to the police, a fire started in the electric scooter showroom at about 9 p.m. and quickly spread to the rest of the space. The Ruby Hotel, which is located above the shop and was home to at least 25 people, was quickly affected by the fire and smoke.