Forensic investigation of electrocution: Examining electrical injury profiles in Hyderabad, Pakistan

Background: Electrocution-related deaths in Pakistan are a significant public health concern, demonstrating the interplay of electrical safety, infrastructural issues, and socioeconomic status. Objective: To investigate the forensic characteristics of electrical injuries. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined 175 electrocution death cases that were autopsied at the Civil Hospital, Hyderabad, Pakistan, mortuary in one year from November 2023 to December 2024. We gathered and examined information on burn patterns, anatomical distribution of injuries, voltage levels, wound sites, injury types, cause of mortality, and gender differences. Information was obtained from eyewitness statements, police inquest documents, and autopsy results using a structured information proforma and checklist. Results: Out of 175 dead bodies examined, the majority were males (90.3%), and 34.8% were between 21 and 30 years of age. The results indicate a predominance of upper limb injuries (37.8%) and a high incidence of low-voltage injuries (78.3%). Cardiac arrest has emerged as the leading cause of mortality (41.7%), underscoring the critical role of infection in post-injury complications. The gender wise differences of injury location, degree of burns, and mortality cause were found statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Electrical injuries, particularly those involving low-voltage sources, have a significant impact on specific body areas, notably the upper limbs, and are linked with a high risk of septic complications that can ultimately lead to death.