Atypical Flash Burns following Low Voltage Electrical Explosion: The Importance of Forensic Engineering

Background: Accidental electrocutions during working activities account for a considerable amount of morbidity and mortality. Case Report: In this case, the findings were suggestive of a high voltage electrocution but the opinion of the electrical engineer helped the forensic pathologists to ascertain the real mechanism. A labourer was cleaning an abandoned porcelain factory, wearing incomplete protective attires, had a sudden explosion when he attempted to remove an iron pole with a shovel. He was thrown off and lost consciousness. There were dark brown superficial burns on facing and exposed sides. Areas covered by the helmet, hair and beard were spared. There were burn-free radially arranged elongated areas of the skin around eyes and nose. Eye brows were partially singed and eye lashes were completely burnt. Inner aspects of both forearms (right more than left) were burnt leaving a horizontal upper margin at the elbow. The right sleeve of the shirt was melted along the fold with blister formation on the skin. Superficial light brown burns were on dorsum of both feet sparing the areas covered by the straps of slippers. There were no charring, joule burns or multiple circumscribed and cavitated lesions. Though it was severe explosion involving more energy, the electrical engineer confirmed that it was a low voltage electrical explosion. Conclusion: Severe flash burns including partial loss of eye brows, complete loss of eye lashes and melting of clothes suggested high voltage electrocution. The electrical expert confirmed a low voltage electrocution and the severity of the explosion could have been due to three phase supply and the close proximity to the transformer.