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High-risk electrical burn injuries associated with illicit copper wire theft
Reza Vaghardoost1, Abolfazl Abbaszadeh1, Seyedalireza Seyed Siamdoust2
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hazrat Fatemeh Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Injury
|July 31, 2025
Summary
Copper wire theft leads to severe electrical burn injuries, often resulting in amputations and high mortality. These preventable incidents underscore the critical need for public health interventions and economic support.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Public Health
- Electrical Injury Research
Background:
- Copper wire theft is a growing concern, leading to dangerous electrical burn incidents.
- Individuals scavenging wires from live electrical sources face severe injury risks due to economic hardship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and clinical outcomes of electrical burn injuries from copper wire theft.
- To identify risk factors and consequences associated with these specific injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records for patients with electrical burns from illegal wire cutting.
- Data collection included demographics, total body surface area (TBSA) burned, associated injuries, creatine kinase (CK) levels, and mortality.
Main Results:
- 36 patients (97% male, average age 27.7) sustained burns with a mean TBSA of 16.19%.
- 61% suffered fractures, 28% required amputations, and 22% died.
- Mortality was significantly linked to TBSA, amputation, CK levels, and ICU stay.
Conclusions:
- Electrical burns from copper wire theft are severe, causing high rates of amputation, fractures, and mortality.
- These injuries highlight the intersection of socio-economic factors and public health risks.
- Preventive strategies should include education, socio-economic interventions, and theft deterrence.
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