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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
06:52
Laboratory Scale Slow Cook-Off Testing of Rocket Propellants: The Combustion Rate Analysis of a Slowly Heated Propellant (CRASH-P) Test
Published on: February 6, 2021
Death caused by a signal rocket--not an isolated case*
Djordje Alempijević1, Dragan Jecmenica, Snezana Pavlekić
1Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. djolea@fon.bg.ac.yu
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|July 16, 2008
Summary
A rare fatality occurred during a football match due to a signal rocket injury. This case highlights the severe mechanical and thermal trauma possible from improper signal rocket use.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Ballistics
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Sporting event fatalities are typically blunt force trauma.
- Rarely, other forms of trauma are observed.
- Crowd emotional involvement can escalate incidents.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old fan died from a signal rocket incident at a football match.
- The injury involved mechanical trauma from rocket penetration and thermal burning.
- Autopsy and expert analysis were used to understand the event.
Findings:
- Improper use of marine distress signal rockets can cause severe injury.
- Injuries can be mechanical (explosion) or thermal (discharge).
- The case details the specific injury patterns and medical findings.
Implications:
- Forensic pathologists need information on weapon types for accurate injury analysis.
- Understanding projectile trauma is crucial for postmortem examinations.
- This case underscores the dangers of misusing pyrotechnic devices in public gatherings.
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