Karnal, Dec. 24 -- Five men from Uttar Pradesh, who were engaged in painting a hotel here, died due to suspected asphyxia caused by fumes of a burning coal brazier while they were asleep in a room on Tuesday, police said.

The deceased included Noor, the contractor, and four labourers identified as Ram Kumar, Sonu Kumar, Madan Lal and Roshan, all residents of Saharanpur district.

Police said that the deceased had come for a painting job at the hotel last evening and had slept in one of the rooms overnight.

Asphyxia or asphyxiation occurs when the human body does not get enough oxygen it needs during respiration, which can cause a person to become unconscious or even die.

The victims had reportedly lit a coal brazier and shut the window...