Autopsy Based Findings in Fatal Blast Cases: A Case Series

Abstract

Blast incidents resulting trauma and deaths are serious health issues. Blast incidents could be either accidental in a military or industrial setup or homicidal as an act of terror. Suicidal blast incidents are uncommon. This article briefly reviews the various types of injuries examined medicolegally by the authors in deceased in blasts cases, to know the various causes of death noted in different autopsies and the factors on which the fatal injuries sustained depends. The different varieties of burns like flame burns, scalds, charring and other associated injuries due to blast like lacerations of skin and muscles due to direct trauma, lacerations of viscera and rupture of hollow viscera due to blast waves etc. may be seen in person as per nature of blast. In present case series, authors observed the injuries over the bodies and other findings were consistent with the alleged history of incidences. However, other factors like scene of crime, type, pattern and distribution of injuries over the body, conditions of the clothings, if available etc are helpful in deciding the cause and manner of death. Determination of the manner of death in blast cases is chiefly the task of investigating
agencies and the role of forensic pathologist is contributory. However, a forensic pathologist may play a crucial role in deciding the manner of infliction of injuries or death and helps the investing agency and Hon’ble Courts in deciding the case and delivery of justice to victims of blast cases by visiting the scene of incidence, pursing the types, patterns and distribution of
injuries over the victim of blast and considering the inquest report.