Deaths Due to Electrocution in Central India: A Study of Two Years

Abstract

This study has been carried out to find out the incidence of deaths due to electrocution in Nagpur with special
emphasis on finding out the circumstances along with pattern of injuries sustained by the victims. Medico
legal autopsy cases with history of electrocution over period of 2012 to 2013 were included in this study.
A total of 74 deaths due to electrocution were studied in which male’s outnumbered females. Approximately
half of cases was observed in the age group of 21-30 years (36 cases i.e 48.64%) which included 05 females.
More than 2/3rd i.e 56 victims (71.6%) were electrocuted by low tension domestic supply, out of which
38 were electrocuted at home. 18 victims (24.4%) were electrocuted by high tension current. Only 03
victims survived for period of 24-48 hours whereas 71(95.9%) victims died on the spot. In half i.e 52.4%
of the cases only entry wound was present, followed by presence of both entry and exit wound in 36.4%
cases. Information gathered from police documents and history by relatives revealed that almost all of
the electrocution deaths were because of accidental electrocution, only two suicidal cases were observed.
Most common histo-pathological finding was focal separation of dermis and epidermis, epidermal nuclear
elongation and palisading. The risk of getting electrocuted in domestic surroundings from the haphazardly
installed electric wires without proper maintenance is indeed a matter of concern. Adoption of proper
insulation safety measures are important factors required for prevention of fatal electrocution.