The shocking incident has been reported from Shaadanahalli on the outskirts of Mysuru.
The deceased Harshal along with his friend Manoj had gone to attend nature's call in a field near their home. As Harshal stepped on a heap of mud, he was caught in a raging fire. Manoj rushed to his help and tried to drag him out of the fire, suffering severe burn injuries in turn. Passersby who were alerted by their scream rushed to their help and shifted them to KR Hospital on Friday. Harshal died enroute to hospital, while Manoj is being treated for burn injuries. Those who have stepped on the field too have suffered injuries.
Officials who have rushed to the spot said that they are not able to step on to the land as they could feel the heat inside.
The four-acre land on the outskirts of Mysuru belongs to Somanna, a resident of Kumbarakoppal in Mysuru. It is suspected that a few factories located adjacent to Somanna's field may be dumping their chemicals in his field without his knowledge and this could have caused the fire. However, the officials have sent soil sample for testing.
Meanwhile, fire tenders have tried to douse the fire and are continuously spraying water but thick smoke continues to emanate from the land. Fearing it would aggravate, they have not suspended their operation.
The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders in the area.