A Tibetan man protesting China's rule of the region set himself on fire Saturday, Jan 12 his death believed to be the first case of self-immolation this year, but one that adds to a grim, growing toll, CNN reported.

The death took place in Gansu province in northwestern China.

It was reported by Free Tibet, a London-based organization that campaigns for self-determination for Tibetans, and by the U.S.-based Radio Free Asia.

Free Tibet said the man was 22, while Radio Free Asia put his age at 19.