A teenaged boy succumbed to burns suffered in a fire in an open field near here allegedly caused due to presence ofhazardous chemicals beneath the soil surface, police said today.
Another boy who also suffered burns in the incident is undergoing treatment at a hospital.
The incident occurred on April 13 when Harshal and Manoj, who were passing through the area, unknowingly ventured into the field,where chemicals were dumped by nearby industries, locals said.
Owing to the inflammable nature of the chemicals buried under the the top layer of the soil, the boys suffered burns. They were rushed to a hospital by the passers-by.
While Harshal succumbed to his injuries last night, Manoj was undergoing treatment, police said.
Officials and experts from thepollution control board and other agencies have collected samples from the spot and only after thorough lab testingswill they be able to ascertain the cause of the fire, they said.
Meanwhile, the District in-charge Minister H C Mahadevappa, whovisited the spot today, said he had sought a report from experts on the cause of the fire, based on which action will be taken against those responsible.
He also said that the government will explore the possibility of giving compensation to the deceased's family.
"Every thing will be studied and if any violation byany industry is found, strict action will be taken against them," he added.
Mysuru Deputy Commissioner D Randeep said a police case had been registered in this regard and investigation was on.
Action will be taken against those responsible based on the experts' report, he added.
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