Death due to electrocution and lightning
Electrocution occurs when there is a passage of electricity through the body from an entry to an exit point, without this passage there is no ill effect, as in birds perched on an overhead cable. For an electric stroke to occur there must be contact of a body with a +ve and -ve pole or alternatively, the earth.
Sources of electrocution are: -
- Domestic source
- Industrial, commercial centers and transport system
- Electricity distribution centers
- Lightening
Factors determining the outcome of the electrocution are: -
- Voltage
- Ampere
- Resistance
- Nature of current
- Frequency of current
- Duration or time of contact
In this case there exist the chief medico legal question to determine whether it is; -
- Accidental
- Suicidal
- Homicidal
