High-voltage electrocution at a hydroelectric plant: a case report with SEM-EDS analysis of electrical wounds

Electrocution remains a significant cause of workplace fatalities, particularly in high-voltage environments. Diagnostic challenges arise from the often non-specific internal and external autopsy findings, necessitating robust evidence for reconstructing events and determining liability. This report presents a case of fatal high-voltage electrocution at a hydroelectric plant, focusing on the analysis of suspected electrical entry and exit wounds using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). A middle-aged male electrician sustained fatal injuries while working on a 63 kV transformer. Autopsy revealed electrical burns consistent with electrocution. SEM-EDS analysis identified an electrical entry wound on the right hand, characterized by metallization consistent with contact with a conductive object, specifically a metal tape measure found near the body. This finding supports a scenario involving safety protocol violations and human error. Multiple exit wounds were observed, a recognized phenomenon in high-voltage electrocutions. Notably, metallization was confirmed at exit wounds in skin samples from the left hand and feet, a finding typically considered a hallmark of electrical entry wounds. This unexpected observation underscores the importance of analyzing both entry and exit wounds with SEM-EDS to avoid misinterpretations. This case highlights the crucial role of SEM-EDS in the forensic analysis of electrical injuries, facilitating accurate event reconstruction and aiding in liability assessment.