Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access
Open Access Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Restricted Access Subscription Access

A Ten Year Study of Pattern of Electrocution Deaths in Bangalore


Affiliations
1 Dept. of Forensic Medicine, MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, India
     

   Subscribe/Renew Journal


Deaths due to electrocution constitute an important part of unnatural deaths even though uncommon but most of them are preventable since almost all are accidental deaths. This 10 year study from January 2000- December 2009 at department of Forensic Medicine, M.S. Ramaiah Medical College revealed that a total of 76 cases of electrocution were identified in 10 years averaging 7.6 cases per year and constituting 1.05% of autopsies conducted. The highest incidence was seen in 20-29 yrs age group (44.7%). Males constituted 83% of cases. Construction workers accounted for 32.9% of cases and 28% of individuals were engaged in domestic activities. Maximum number of cases occurred in the afternoon (63.2%). In 32 cases there was a single electric contact wound and the most common site was the hand (49cases). Exit wounds were noted in 10 cases (13.2%) and foot was the commonest site (8cases). In eleven (14.5%) cases the deceased had sustained other associated fatal injuries.

Keywords

Electrocution, Contact Mark, Exit Wound
Subscription Login to verify subscription
User
Notifications
Font Size


  • “Electrical Injury and Death.” World of Forensic Science. 2005. Retrieved June 05, 2010 from Encyclopedia.com:http://www. encyclopedia.com /doc/1G2-3448300205.html

  • . Dolinak D, Matshes E, Lew E. Forensic Pathology – Principles and Practice.ELSEVIER Academic Press,New York , 2005;250.

  • Wright RK,Davis JH. The investigation of electrical deaths: a report of 220 fatalities.J Forensic Sciences 1980;25(3);514-521

  • Saukka p, knight B .Knight’s Forensic pathology of Trauma. Arnold Publishers, London, 3rd edition. 2004;332.

  • Dimaio J V, Dimaio D.Forensic Pathology. CRC Press, 2nd edition.2000;409.

  • Wick Regula, Gilbert D Jhon, Simpson Ellie,Byard W Roger.Fatal Electrocution in Adults- A30 year study.Medicine Science Law,2006;46(2):166-171.

  • Dokov W, Baltov M.A study of fatal electrical injuries in Smolyan district republic of Bulgan. Anil Aggrawal,s internet journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology,2009;10(2)

  • K Chandru.Study of electrical injuries in fatal cases at Victoria Hospital Bangalore(Nov 2003to Oct 2005) .Indian Journal of Forensic medicine Toxicology, 2010;4(2):35-38.


Abstract Views: 409

PDF Views: 2




  • A Ten Year Study of Pattern of Electrocution Deaths in Bangalore

Abstract Views: 409  |  PDF Views: 2

Authors

S. Harish
Dept. of Forensic Medicine, MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, India
Basappa S. Hugar
Dept. of Forensic Medicine, MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, India
Pradeep K. Saralaya
Dept. of Forensic Medicine, MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, India
T. C. Siddaramanna
Dept. of Forensic Medicine, MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, India

Abstract


Deaths due to electrocution constitute an important part of unnatural deaths even though uncommon but most of them are preventable since almost all are accidental deaths. This 10 year study from January 2000- December 2009 at department of Forensic Medicine, M.S. Ramaiah Medical College revealed that a total of 76 cases of electrocution were identified in 10 years averaging 7.6 cases per year and constituting 1.05% of autopsies conducted. The highest incidence was seen in 20-29 yrs age group (44.7%). Males constituted 83% of cases. Construction workers accounted for 32.9% of cases and 28% of individuals were engaged in domestic activities. Maximum number of cases occurred in the afternoon (63.2%). In 32 cases there was a single electric contact wound and the most common site was the hand (49cases). Exit wounds were noted in 10 cases (13.2%) and foot was the commonest site (8cases). In eleven (14.5%) cases the deceased had sustained other associated fatal injuries.

Keywords


Electrocution, Contact Mark, Exit Wound

References