Profile of Electrocution Deaths – A 3-Year Retrospective Study

Abstract

Electricity is no longer a privilege, instead a necessity. However, when 3.2% of the accidental deaths in 2021 are due to electrocution  (n=12529), one must study the factors that result in such deaths so that the law enforcing and safety regulating agencies have a database to  refer to while formulating laws. This is a retrospective study done in the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology at Victoria  hospital attached to Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute, Bengaluru. Data was collected using records from January 2018 to  December 2022 during which 53 cases of deaths due to electrocution were autopsied. Using a proforma, information with respect to socio demographic factors, autopsy findings and cause of death was collected and analysed. On analysing the data collected, 0.6%, 0.7% and  0.7% (n= 14, 17, 22) of the total number of cases in 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively were due to electrocution. A total of 53 cases were  studied among which 45 were males (85%) and the rest were females. The highest number of cases (31%, n=17) were found in the 3rd  decade of life. 40 cases (77%) were Hindus. Among the employed, 30.8% of them were electricians and 15.4% of them were construction  workers. 27 cases had entry wounds at different sites on the upper limbs (19 in the right upper limb and 8 in the left upper limb). Visceral  congestion, petechial haemorrhages in brain, lungs and heart were the common internal findings seen. Deaths due to electrocution need  not present in a specific manner. Absence of entry wounds or exit wounds or both does not rule out electrocution. External examination and  meticulous history taking is crucial to arrive at the cause of death.