Atypical Exit Wound in High-Voltage Electrocution

Abstract

Electrocution fatality cases are difficult to investigate. High-voltage electrocution burns resemble burns caused by other sources, especially if the person survives for few days. In that case, circumstantial evidence if correlated with the autopsy findings helps in determining the cause and manner of death. In addition, the crime scene findings also help to explain the pattern of injuries observed at autopsy. A farmer came in contact with a high-voltage transmission wire and sustained superficial to deep burns over his body. A charred and deeply scorched area was seen over the face, which was suggestive of the electric entry wound. The exit wound was present over both feet and lower leg and was atypical in the form of a burnt area of peeled blistered skin, charring, and deep scorching. The injuries were correlated with crime scene findings, and the circumstances that lead to his electrocution are discussed here.

Infant Electrocution Due to Smartphone Charge Cable—A Hidden Public Health Risk

“…Children can be injured while playing with defective electrical devices or misusing them 2 . Examinations of the scene of the incident make a significant contribution to the investigation of such injuries 12 . In the current case, the examination of the scene obtained findings consistent with the statements of the mother and neighbors.…”

“…2 Examinations of the scene of the incident make a significant contribution to the investigation of such injuries. 12 In the current case, the examination of the scene obtained findings consistent with the statements of the mother and neighbors. The house had a double entry door with no signs of forced entry, constituting evidence that the mother and infant were at home alone.…”

The Investigation of an Accident Site With an Atypical Electrocution Exit Wound and Burn in an Unusual Location: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature

“…In a clinical setting, the forensic pathologist diagnoses a case of electrocution based on clinical history, characteristics of electric entry, and exit wounds. The usual electric entry sites tend to be on the palms of the hands and tips of the fingers and the usual site of exit wounds is the soles of the feet (5). As per the Indian Electricity rules, 1956 vide Rule 2(av), low voltage is not exceeding 250 V, medium voltage is not exceeding 650 V, high voltage is not exceeding 33 000 V, and extra-high voltage is exceeding 33 000 V. The duration of the flow of current and the strength of the current passing through the body are important determinants in injury due to electricity (6).…”

“…A person is electrocuted when they are exposed to a fatal amount of electricity, which includes both high voltage (>600 to 750 V) and low voltage (600 V) currents. Suicides and homicides are extremely uncommon, and the vast majority of electrocution incidents are accidental (5). We hereby discuss a case of electrocution exit wound that was unusual in appearance, had a scorched area of peeling, blistering skin, charring, and severe scorching across the lower back region, and was related to the accident site and the events that caused the injury.…”

Electrocution Death: Exit Mark Injury Use in the Suggestion of Body Posture during Forensic Investigation

“…As pointed out earlier, these marks are essential to the establishment of electrocution deaths and become serious in forensic investigation where criminal offence is inquired from the scenario. The encountered obstacle in investigation might be interrupted by a poor definition or absence of those mark as explained in (Parakkattil et al 2017). The study institutes that the difficult of investigating electrocution fatality cases are dependant of voltage.…”