Karkala: An 80-year-old man who sustained severe burn injuries while attempting to extinguish a fire in his plantation succumbed at a hospital in Manipal late Thursday night. The deceased has been identified as Jayakar Shetty, a resident of ‘Shivapooja’ house in Bajekala, Nitte village.
The incident has highlighted the risks faced by elderly residents in rural areas when dealing with sudden fire outbreaks, especially in plantations with dry vegetation.
Fire breaks out in plantation
According to reports, the fire broke out accidentally in Jayakar Shetty’s plantation on Thursday. The area, which had coconut and arecanut trees, quickly turned hazardous as flames spread rapidly due to dry leaves and vegetation.
Seeing the fire intensify, Jayakar Shetty attempted to douse the flames on his own. However, the blaze escalated quickly, trapping him amid the fire and leaving him with severe burn injuries.
Rescue efforts by locals and fire personnel
His wife, Pushpa, noticed the situation and immediately raised an alarm, alerting neighbours. Local resident Sadananda Hegde and others rushed to the spot to help. By the time assistance arrived, Jayakar Shetty had already suffered extensive burns.
Personnel from the Karkala Fire Station responded promptly to the emergency. They carried out a rescue operation, brought the fire under control, and shifted the injured man to KMC Hospital, Manipal, in an ambulance for urgent medical treatment.
The firefighting team included station officer Albert Monis, assistant station officer Chandrashekhar, and staff members Achyuth Karkera, Hariprasad, Basavaraj, and Lokesh, who worked together to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.
Succumbs during treatment
Despite medical efforts, Jayakar Shetty did not respond to treatment and passed away later that night at the hospital. His death has left the local community in shock, with residents expressing grief over the tragic loss.
Safety concerns in rural areas
The incident underscores the dangers associated with plantation fires, particularly during dry conditions when flames can spread uncontrollably within minutes. Experts often advise against attempting to control large fires without proper equipment and support.
Local authorities have reiterated the importance of promptly alerting fire services and avoiding direct exposure to fire hazards, especially for elderly individuals.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Jayakar Shetty serves as a reminder of the need for greater awareness and preparedness in handling fire emergencies in rural and plantation areas. Swift community response and professional firefighting support remain crucial in preventing such incidents from turning fatal.