Pattern of Injuries in Fatal Lightning Strikes

Lightning is one of oldest observed natural phenomenon on earth. It is the giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere between clouds, the air, or the ground. It may have catastrophic consequences resulting in mass disasters. Pattern of injuries of 11 cases that were brought to mortuary of our hospital, after lightning strike on top of a watch tower were studied.

Majority of deceased were males (n=10) and 1 female. Filigree Burns were present in 8 cases predominantly over anterior chest.7 decedents had superficial to deep surface burns with singeing of hairs. Patterned burns were present in 2 cases. Eye changes and pulmonary contusions were seen in 2 cases. All the decedents had torn clothes, and minor blunt trauma. All the visceral organs were congested and petechiae were present on pericardium and pleural surface. The cause of death was attributed to lightning strike in all cases. History of rainfall and thunderstorms, examination of circumstantial evidence like torn clothes and autopsy findings can help in confirming the diagnosis of Lightning deaths. Although, it is an unpredictable phenomenon but many deaths can be prevented by proper precautions.