ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 September 2002
Page Count: 2

Death by Compaction in a Garbage Truck
Dignan, CR
Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office, NY

Jumbelic, MI
Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office, NY

Staats, PN
SUNY Upstate Medical University, NY

(Received 1 May 2002; accepted 15 April 2002)

Abstract

We report on two deaths by compaction in a garbage truck that recently occurred in this county. In both cases, the victim apparently climbed into a recycling dumpster to sleep, and was emptied with the contents of the receptacle into a garbage truck. Subsequent compaction of the victim with the load led to death. We also discuss several similar fatalities that have been reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Keywords:
forensic science, compressional asphyxia, crush injuries, dumpster, recycling

Paper ID: JFS15517J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15517J
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