Fatal mechanical asphyxia

An autopsy study of fatal mechanical asphyxia was undertaken in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, South India, over a period of 13 years. (1992 to 2005) Out of 2093 cases autopsied, 6.6% of the deaths were due to mechanical asphyxia. Manner of death was suicidal in 63.3% of cases. Hanging is the commonest method (51.8%) followed by drowning. Young adults (45%) and male sex (67.6%) predominated. About 80% of the victims died within one hour of the incident.