ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 3

An Unusual Case of Death by Lightning
Blanco-Pampín, JM
Institute of Legal Medicine. University of Santiago de Compostela,

Suárez Peñaranda, JM
Institute of Legal Medicine. University of Santiago de Compostela,

Concheiro Carro, L
Institute of Legal Medicine. University of Santiago de Compostela,

Rico Boquete, R
Institute of Legal Medicine. University of Santiago de Compostela,

(Received 3 July 1996; accepted 31 December 1996)

Abstract

Lightning-related deaths are relatively uncommon, especially indoors. Some cases, involving unusual circumstances, may be of medicolegal relevance. We report a highly infrequent case of fulguration occurring inside a house in a country area. The deceased, a 55-year-old man, was struck by lightning while he was in his bed. Scene investigation and autopsy findings were equally important in finding out the cause of death. We think that the present case is of interest to forensic pathologists because what occurred might be difficult to clarify.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic pathology, lightning death, fulguration indoors

Paper ID: JFS14237J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14237J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.