Electrifying evidence: Ten years of fatal encounters with electricity at Tygerberg mortuary

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Journal of forensic and legal medicine Pub Date : 2025-04-14 DOI:10.1016/j.jflm.2025.102875

Faith Beukes, Zandré Smith, Candice Wilscott-Davids, Ilze Mentoor

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of electrical fatalities in the Eastern Metropole of the City of Cape Town from 2013 to 2022. It explores demographic, geographic, and seasonal patterns, circumstances surrounding death, and pathological findings to understand the nature of these fatalities comprehensively. This study can provide insights to assist governmental agencies in enhancing safety awareness and developing effective strategies to prevent electrical-related fatalities.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted and included all cases of electrocution-related deaths admitted to Tygerberg Forensic Pathology Services Mortuary from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2022.

Results

One hundred and forty-five cases were included in this study, with an annual prevalence between 0.09 % and 0.76 %. Electrical fatalities mostly occurred in 20-39-year-olds (59.7 %) and children under 10 (17.2 %), with males (88.9 %) predominantly affected. Most incidents occurred in summer (33.8 %) and December (13.10 %), often outdoors, with illegal connections being the main source of electricity. Geographically, Khayelitsha and Mfuleni reported the highest number of cases. Entrance wounds were primarily on the hands, while exit wounds were commonly on the feet and chest. Most fatalities had abrasions (52.8 %), and histopathology revealed streaming of nuclei in the basal layer of the skin and coagulative necrosis as prevalent findings. Most cases were ruled accidental (97.9 %), and medical intervention was needed in 25.5 %.

Conclusions

This study reveals the prevalence and descriptive profile of electrical fatalities in the Eastern Metropole of the City of Cape Town, highlighting the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies in identified high-risk areas and during peak times. By improving safety measures and enhancing public awareness, we can effectively reduce these preventable electrical fatalities. A collaborative approach involving governmental agencies, community organizations, and the public is crucial in fostering a safer environment and safeguarding lives.

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触电证据：泰格堡停尸房十年与电的致命接触

本研究旨在确定2013年至2022年开普敦东部大都市区电气事故死亡率的流行情况。它探讨了人口、地理和季节模式、死亡环境和病理结果，以全面了解这些死亡的性质。本研究可协助政府机构提高安全意识，并制定有效的策略，以预防与电气有关的死亡。方法对2013年1月1日至2022年12月31日在Tygerberg法医病理学服务太平间收治的所有电刑相关死亡病例进行回顾性描述性研究。结果本组病例145例，年患病率在0.09% ~ 0.76%之间。电气事故死亡主要发生在20-39岁（59.7%）和10岁以下儿童（17.2%），主要是男性（88.9%）。大多数事故发生在夏季（33.8%）和12月（13.10%），通常在户外，非法连接是主要的电力来源。从地理上看，Khayelitsha和Mfuleni报告的病例数最多。入口伤主要在手上，而出口伤通常在脚和胸部。大多数死亡病例为擦伤（52.8%），组织病理学显示皮肤基底层核流和凝固性坏死是常见的表现。绝大多数为意外事故（97.9%），需要医疗干预的占25.5%。本研究揭示了开普敦东部大都市区电气事故死亡的患病率和描述性概况，强调了在确定的高风险地区和高峰时段采取有针对性的预防策略的迫切需要。通过改善安全措施和提高公众意识，我们可以有效地减少这些可预防的电气事故。涉及政府机构、社区组织和公众的合作方法对于促进更安全的环境和保护生命至关重要。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of forensic and legal medicine MEDICINE, LEGAL-

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

6.70%

发文量

106

审稿时长

57 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine publishes topical articles on aspects of forensic and legal medicine. Specifically the Journal supports research that explores the medical principles of care and forensic assessment of individuals, whether adult or child, in contact with the judicial system. It is a fully peer-review hybrid journal with a broad international perspective. The Journal accepts submissions of original research, review articles, and pertinent case studies, editorials, and commentaries in relevant areas of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Context of Practice, and Education and Training. The Journal adheres to strict publication ethical guidelines, and actively supports a culture of inclusive and representative publication.