Abstract
A case of death from electrocution by the phenomenon of arcing from high voltage power cables on to an aluminium staff is reported. The external findings in such a case may be minimal. The case described showed superficial burns of the left hand, pin-head sized pits on right hand and crater-like burnt areas on the balls of toes. These features and therefore the diagnosis were missed by the medical officer conducting the first autopsy. The necessity of examining the scene in cases of sudden death of young adults after obtaining a complete history is emphasized. The medical officer undertaking such autopsies should have a training in clinical forensic medicine and forensic pathology. The value of histology in embalmed bodies is also emphasized.
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