Lightning fatalities – A review of the 98 cases

The objective of the research reported here was to examine the epidemiologic characteristics of struck-by-lightning deaths. The struck-by-lightning deaths occurred in the studied area in Bulgaria represent 0.15% of all autopsied cases or 10.37% of the electrocution death cases. We note two peaks of struck-by-lightning deaths within the studied period of 42 years, forming a cycle of 32 years. The average age of the victims is 42.08 years old; for the male victims the average age is 41.58 years old and for the female victims the average age is 45.38 years old. The greatest relative share of cases we find in the age group between 25 and 44 years old. The male victims represent 86.73% of all cases. Children and adolescents under 18 years old form an average age of 13.25 years old and become victims of lighting in 12.25% of the fatality cases. Occupational accidents account for 8.16% of the fatality cases while out-of-workplace accidents account for 84.69% of the cases. The summer months from June through September account for the highest concentration of lightning deaths: 85.71%.