Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine
  • Year: 2019
  • Volume: 41
  • Issue: 4

A rare injury pattern on heart in a lightning death-A case report

1Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

2Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

*Corresponding Author, Dr Manas Ranjan Sahu (Associate professor) E-mail: drmanas.sahu@gmail.com, Mobile: 9438884095

Online published on 24 January, 2020.

Abstract

Lightning strikes are one of the leading causes of death due to natural disaster in Odisha, India. This is a case report describing an elderly female who died on the spot along with a co-worker while working in the field due to lightning strike. No specific keraunopathologic features were found externally. However, on heart, a linear contusion along the interventricular groove with rupture at its apex was observed. Since the event was witnessed, the cause and manner of death could not be disputed.

Keywords

Lightning bolt, Ruptured heart, Myocardial contusion Kerauno, pathology