Two young men were killed in a residence when a military-type explosion device detonated. The extent of the explosive nature of the event is evident by buckling and partial separation of the walls of the residence from the roof.
Fig.1 Note the extensive injury of the side of the torso with partial evisceration.
At autopsy, note the extensive injury of the side of the torso with partial evisceration, extensive tissue disruption, and also scattered burns (Fig.1). The other fatality had multiple severe injuries, including burns and amputation of his hand and forearm (Fig.2). Wooden dowel rods were placed in the penetrating and perforating wounds to demonstrate the path of the projectiles.
Fig.2 The other fatality had burns and amputation of his hand and forearm.
Explosions in residences are infrequent but are mainly due to natural gas ignitions. Also, one must consider chemical explosions related to the manufacture of illicit drugs such as methamphetamine, propane tank explosions, and explosions related to industrial equipment. Also possible is an explosion from a primary explosive device. When this is the case, careful collection of embedded shrapnel and investigation of the scene may allow for the identification of the exploding device.
Latest posts
