Evaluation of the deaths due to electrical currents which performed autopsies between 2007-2014 years in Diyarbakir

Aim: Depending on the increasing use of electric appliances has increased the incidence of electrical accidents. Electrical injury is an important cause of mortality and morbidity, and can usually be prevented with simple safety measures. In this study we aimed to investigate the death cases occurred due to electrical current between the years 2007-2014 in Diyarbakir region. Material and Methods: In this study we have retrospectively analyzed 6431 forensic death report. It determined that 239 (%3,77) people died due to electric current injury were included in the study. Age, sex, origin of death, crime scene, localization of entry and exit lesions were examined. Results: Of the cases 147 (%61,5) was male, 92 (%38,5) was female and by the mean age of the cases was 23,15 + 17,1 years (min: 1, max: 78). All of the electrocution deaths were accidental in origin. The deaths were often found to occur in the summer. The upper extremity was the most frequently involved contact site in 112 (%46,9) deaths. No electrical burn mark was present in 34 (%14,2) cases. Home accidents were responsible for 76 (%46,6) cases deaths. The original findings of our study is, the number of young cases is 114 (47.7%) and in this age group electrical water heaters is the cause of the event in 33 (%28,9) cases. Conclusion: Rate of deaths due to electrocution among all medico legal deaths was found higher in our study than in previous studies. The rate of the child deaths due to electrocution was found higher in our study. Therefore, people should be trained children to play near electrical appliances. Solving the infrastructure problems and improving security measures are also required. Key Words: Electrical injuries, death, autopsy, forensic medicine, thermal lesions.