An unusual case of death by lighting
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Updated: Oct 31, 2026

Method for Recording Broadband High Resolution Emission Spectra of Laboratory Lightning Arcs
Published on: August 27, 2019
J M Blanco-Pampín1, J M Peñaranda, R R Boquete
1Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Abstract:
Lightning-related deaths are relatively uncommon, especially indoors. Some cases, involving unusual circumstances, may be of medicolegal relevance. We report a highly infrequent case of fulguration occurring inside a house in a country area. The deceased, a 55-year-old man, was struck by lightning while he was in his bed. Scene investigation and autopsy findings were equally important in finding out the cause of death. We think that the present case is of interest to forensic pathologists because what occurred might be difficult to clarify.
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