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[Pathomorphological constellation in death resulting from high voltage electricity]
Archiv Fur Kriminologie
|January 1, 1980
Summary
High voltage electricity caused a significant rise in fatal accidents in Austria between 1968-1977. Autopsy findings reveal unique burn patterns and secondary trauma in high-tension electrocution cases.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Electrical Safety
- Public Health
Background:
- An increasing trend of high-voltage electrocution fatalities was observed in Austria from 1968 to 1977.
- These incidents disproportionately affected middle-aged men, with a high mortality rate at the accident scene.
Observation:
- Analysis of 16 fatal high-tension electrocution cases revealed varied autopsy findings.
- Typical electrical injury marks were present in only one-quarter of cases; some high-voltage marks were subtle and easily missed.
- Major surface burns from electric arcs were found in half the victims, and one-third sustained secondary mechanical trauma.
Findings:
- Asphyxial signs, such as petechial hemorrhages, were noted in two cases, similar to those seen in domestic voltage electrocutions.
- A unique case of prolonged high-tension exposure showed charring, limb severance, and fat/gas embolism due to tissue heating.
- Emission spectroscopy detected calcium and phosphorus from bone in residues on a copper wire, indicating severe thermal effects.
Implications:
- Medico-legal evaluation of electrocution deaths requires careful examination for subtle electrical marks and secondary injuries.
- Understanding the specific autopsy findings associated with high-voltage incidents is crucial for accurate cause-of-death determination.
- These findings underscore the importance of enhanced electrical safety measures to prevent high-voltage electrocutions.