Electrocution-related mortality: a retrospective review of 118 deaths in Coimbatore, India, between January 2002 and December 2006

Abstract

Electrical injuries currently remain a worldwide problem. These injuries are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality, but are usually preventable with simple safety measures. A retrospective study was undertaken of deaths due to electrocution that occurred over a five-year period from January 2002 to December 2006. The bodies were autopsied at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 118 cases were identified and all were accidental: 107 males (91%) and 11 females (9%) (male:female ratio = 9.72). The majority of deaths occurred in the 21–30 year age group ( n = 57, 48%). Most deaths ( n = 98; 83%) were due to low-voltage circuits (<1000 V); a minority were due to high voltages ( n = 20, 17%). Domestic accidents were responsible in 73 cases (61.86%). Deaths were caused most frequently by touching an electric wire ( n = 62; 52.54%). Most deaths occurred in the summer ( n = 50; 42%) with the lowest number of deaths occurring in winter. There was no electrical contact mark present in eight cases (6.7%). One hundred and four cases (88%) were dead on arrival at hospital. The most common cause of death was cardiac arrest, followed by septicaemia and renal failure. Congestion of the brain and oedematous lungs were frequent non-specific postmortem findings.