A study of Electrocution Deaths in Southern Khorasan, Kerman, Sistan and Baloochestan Provinces During March 2014 to September 2016

Electrical current injuries are of the most important causes of unnatural death. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of electrocution and lightening related deaths in southeast provinces of the country, and determining factors affecting it.

In this prospective study, all cases of electrocution and lightening related deaths referred to forensic examination center of Sistan and Balochestan, Kerman, and Southern Khorasan, during march 2014 to September 2016, were evaluated regarding their demographic data, manner of death, the time of event, the responsible device, its voltage and post-mortem examination findings.

Overall, 59 cases of electrical-related deaths (86.4% males) were evaluated. The most cases were in the age group of 20-29 years (35.6%) and 30-39 years (27.1%) respectively. Home accidents were the leading cause of deaths in 51.8 percent. Accidental (47.5%) and occupational related electrocutions (35.6%) were the most prevalent events. Lightning was the leading cause of death in 3 cases.

Most cases of electrocution deaths are home accidents and basically are preventable. Another important finding was the high prevalence of occupational related electrocution deaths, which are often preventable by the means of following safety issues.