Lightning is a natural weather phenomenon that occurs most commonly during the summer
months in the afternoon or early evening. Lightning strikes can cause accidental deaths.
In developed countries, lightning fatalities occur almost exclusively outdoors. Deaths
from lightning may be in remote places with no witnesses. Forensic pathologists may
not be able to reach the scene of death because it is too hazardous or inaccessible.
Bodies may have neither evidence of skin burns nor torn areas on their clothes. The
presumption of accidental death may be difficult to prove. We present 3 cases in which
neither the examination of the death scene nor the examination of the bodies by those
who attested to the death were performed. The bodies were transported to the morgue
for a forensic autopsy because the deaths were considered suspicious. Physicians who
attest to death in open spaces during weather that could produce lightning should
actively search for Lichtenberg figures, which are considered irrefutable proof of
fatal lightning in such settings. They should also photograph them and submit them
as evidence. Nevertheless, physicians should keep in mind that Lichtenberg figures
are not considered pathognomonic of lightning because some skin manifestations may
mimic them.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 07, 2022
Accepted:
July 14,
2022
Received:
March 21,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
