Journal of Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
SCOPUS
  • Year: 2014
  • Volume: 14
  • Issue: 2

Electrocution by Lightning – An Unusual Presentation

  • Author:
  • M Kumaran1, D Singh2, G Murali3, SP Singh4,
  • Total Page Count: 3
  • Published Online: Jun 1, 2014
  • Page Number: 112 to 114

1Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry

2Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh

3Assistant professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh

4Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh

*Corresponding author Dr. Satinder Pal Singh Phone: +91- 9988008723 Email: spsingh9988@yahoo.in

Abstract

Lightning is one of the rare causes of unnatural deaths. This case report describes an unfortunate event in which a 50 year old male was struck by a lightning while riding a bike. A complete autopsy and a thorough examination of the place of incidence were carried out. The present case is an example for contact strike mechanism of lightning injuries. Based on the injury pattern observed on the body it can be concluded that a high voltage current had passed through the victim. No specific kerauno-pathologic features were found on the victim. Since the event was witnessed, the manner of death could be easily established.

Keywords

Lightning, electrocution, Kerauno-pathology, bike