An unusual case of death by lightning
Blanco-Pampín, JM
Institute of Legal Medicine. University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

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

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

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


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:
death, forensic pathology, forensic science, fulguration, fulguration indoors, lightning, lightning death, pathology and biology

Paper ID: JFS425970942

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Author Blanco-Pampín JM, Suárez-Peñaranda JM, Rico-Boquete R, Concheiro-Carro L Title An unusual case of death by lightning Symposium , Committee on