Fatal Industrial Accident Involving a Chemical Blender Machine: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Machinery, whether it is operating or idle, may cause various types of contact injuries, including caught-in or caught-between incidents with moving parts, avulsions, amputations, burns, crush injuries, falls, and impacts with the machine or surrounding surfaces. Despite the prevalence of industrial accidents, fatalities caused by chemical blender machines have never been reported. This case reports a rare fatal case involving a 48-year-old male who sustained musculoskeletal injuries after falling into a chemical blender mixer while manually stirring powder in an industrial setting. The victim became trapped in the machine for ∼30 s, leading to extensive lacerations and fractures, and died due to hemorrhagic shock. The autopsy revealed multiple lacerations and fractures on the lower limbs due to the machine's helical blades, alongside a deep laceration on the right shoulder. Internal injuries included rib fractures, liver lacerations, and significant blood loss, ultimately causing death. The unique design of the blender machine blades, with helical-shaped blades, played a critical role in the injury pattern. A crime scene investigation emphasized the absence of proper safety measures, such as guarding mechanisms, which allowed the victim's entrapment.