Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

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Statistical Study of Electrocution Deaths at Victoria Hospital, Bangalore


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1 Department of Forensic Medicine, Shree Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur, Karnataka, India
     

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Electricity has become a dangerous but essential part of our lives. One cannot imagine our daily routine without electricity and so are electrocution related deaths. The present study analyses the pattern of age and sex distribution, seasonal variation, place of occurrence, manner of death and causes of death in fatal electrocution cases. Study was conducted on deaths due to electrocution brought to Victoria hospital mortuary during the period of two years (Nov 2003 to Oct2005). Data will be collected from police inquest and photographic evidence from scene of occurrence. Total number of 61 cases was studied in two-year period. Most of the victims were male, belonging to working age group. 56% of victims died instantaneously due to shock. 34% of victims died due to complications of flash burns sustained. Main reasons for electrocution deaths were found to be human negligence, faulty electrical equipments, connections and lack of protective measures.

Keywords

High Voltage Current, Low Voltage Current, Electric Contact Mark, Flash Burns, Shock, Septicemia, Toxemia
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  • Statistical Study of Electrocution Deaths at Victoria Hospital, Bangalore

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Authors

K. Chandru
Department of Forensic Medicine, Shree Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur, Karnataka, India

Abstract


Electricity has become a dangerous but essential part of our lives. One cannot imagine our daily routine without electricity and so are electrocution related deaths. The present study analyses the pattern of age and sex distribution, seasonal variation, place of occurrence, manner of death and causes of death in fatal electrocution cases. Study was conducted on deaths due to electrocution brought to Victoria hospital mortuary during the period of two years (Nov 2003 to Oct2005). Data will be collected from police inquest and photographic evidence from scene of occurrence. Total number of 61 cases was studied in two-year period. Most of the victims were male, belonging to working age group. 56% of victims died instantaneously due to shock. 34% of victims died due to complications of flash burns sustained. Main reasons for electrocution deaths were found to be human negligence, faulty electrical equipments, connections and lack of protective measures.

Keywords


High Voltage Current, Low Voltage Current, Electric Contact Mark, Flash Burns, Shock, Septicemia, Toxemia

References