Lightning Related Deaths In Istanbul, Between 2007-2012

Abstract

Objective: Lightning injuries can cause a variety of injuries including “integumentary system, cardiac system, central nervous system, eyes and ears, and blunt trauma”, in which some of them may cause death. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate crime scene findings, autopsy findings and histopathological findings by presenting 9 cases that died due to lightning strike. Material and Methods: The 9 cases (0.3%) included this study were obtained from the screening of a total 24.755 cases that were performed autopsy at the Council of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul between 2007 – 2012. All cases’ age, gender, crime scene, circumstances during the event, witness statement, skin lession, autopsy findings, histopathological findings were evaluated. Results: Three (33.3%) cases were female and six (66.7%)cases were male, and the mean age was 39,66±13,36 (min:18, max:56). Fatal lightning strike occurred between April and September, but mostly in May. At autopsy, an external examination was revealed an electrical exit wound in 4 cases, burn areas on the skin in 5 cases, a Lichtenberg figure on the skin in 2 cases, and a burn in the hair surface in 4 cases. Conclusion: As a result, nonspecific findings are frequently detected in autopsies performed due to lightning strikes. However, crime scene investigation and the testimony of the witness may be the crucial indicative evidence for forensic investigators in getting an accurate diagnosis in cases of suspected lightning strikes. In addition, examining the clothes worn by victims provides important clues in diagnosis.

Keywords

• yıldırım çarpması
• ölüm
• otopsi
• adli tıp
• lightning strike
• death
• autopsy
• forensic