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

Statistical Study of Electrocution Deaths at Victoria Hospital, Bangalore


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

   Subscribe/Renew Journal


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
Subscription Login to verify subscription
User
Notifications
Font Size


  • J.B. Gupta, Basic electrical engineering, Third edition: 2002; pg325.

  • Bernard Knight, Forensic pathology, Electrical fatalities,1991;12:pg302

  • Endre Somogyi, C.G.Tedeschi, Injury by electrical force, 1977; 17: pg 645-750.

  • Cyril John Polson, DJ Gee, Bernard Knight, The Essentials of Forensic Medicine,1985;4: pg271-315

  • Jones GRN. Judicial electrocution and the prison doctor. Lancet; 1990; 335:pg713-714.

  • Burner JMR. Hazards of electrical apparatus. Anesthesiology 1967; 28:pg 396-425. ,

  • R.K.Wright; J.H.Davis.Investigation of electrical deaths, A report of 220 fatalities. Journal of Forensic Sciences; 1980; 25(3): pg. 514-521

  • Electrocution deaths in North East Delhi, Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine. 1997; 19(1): pg 4-7.

  • Trubner and Puschel, Death of child in bath tub, Journal of Forensic Sciences.1991.pg134

  • Mellen P.F. Weedn V.W, Kao G. Electrocution: A review of 155 cases with emphasis on human factors. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 1992; 37; (4): pg. 1016-22.

  • Theodore Bernstein, Effects of electricity and lighting on Man and Animals, Journal of Forensic Science, pg 3-11.


Abstract Views: 413

PDF Views: 0




  • Statistical Study of Electrocution Deaths at Victoria Hospital, Bangalore

Abstract Views: 413  |  PDF Views: 0

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