Rangamati, Mar 26  (V7N)– A Jhum farmer, Tuhin Tripura (40), has died from severe burns sustained in a hill fire in the Ruilui Para of Sajek Union, Baghaichhari Upazila, Rangamati.

"Tuhin Tripura (40), who was burnt to death in a fire on a hill in Ruilui Para of Sajek Union in Baghaichhari Upazila of Rangamati, has died while undergoing treatment at Khagrachari Sadar Hospital," a local official confirmed.

The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, March 25, when Tripura was burning his mountain for agricultural purposes near the Sajek Tourist Center. Strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly, trapping him.

"On Tuesday afternoon, March 25, Tuhin Tripura set fire to his mountain near the Sajek Tourist Center. At that time, due to strong winds, the fire went out of control and quickly spread around the mountain, trapping Tuhin Tripura in the fire," a local witness reported.

Tripura suffered burns to 60 percent of his body. Members of the 54 BGB Baghaihat Battalion rescued him in a critical condition.

"Sixty percent of his body was burned in the fire. Later, members of the 54 BGB Baghaihat Battalion came forward to rescue him," a BGB spokesperson stated.

He was initially taken to Dighinala and subsequently transferred to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment, where he died at 7 PM.

"He was rescued in a life-threatening condition and was first sent to Dighinala and later to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment as his condition deteriorated. He died there at 7 pm," a hospital official confirmed.

Baghaichhari Upazila Executive Officer Shirin Akhter and Baghaichhari Police Station OC Humayun Kabir Tuhin confirmed Tripura's death.

"Baghaichhari Upazila Executive Officer Shirin Akhter and Baghaichhari Police Station OC Humayun Kabir Tuhin confirmed the death of Tripura," a local law enforcement report detailed.

The BGB called the fire service to assist in controlling the spreading fire. Firefighters from Dighinala joined the BGB, but the fire was difficult to contain due to a shortage of equipment and water.

"Meanwhile, the BGB called the fire service to control the reckless fire. Later, fire service personnel from Dighinala joined the BGB members in controlling the fire, but it took a long time to control the fire due to shortage of necessary equipment and water," a fire service representative reported.

This incident follows two earlier fires in Sajek on February 18 and 24, which destroyed more than a hundred structures.

"Earlier, more than a hundred structures were burnt in the fires in Sajek on February 18 and 24," a previous fire report confirmed.

The tragic death of Tuhin Tripura highlights the dangers associated with Jhum cultivation and the challenges of fire control in the region's hilly terrain.

END/AMR/RH/