A fire death with a rare finding: anthracosis or soot embolism?

Charred human remains were found in the smoking ambers of a dying fire in an oil palm plantation in Selangor, Malaysia in the midnight of January 28, 2013. Investigations showed that palm fronds and rubber tires were used to light and sustain the blaze. At least four to five tires were estimated to be used based on the residual burnt metal wires at the site. The remains were brought to the Department of Forensic Medicine, Hospital Sungai Buloh, Selangor for post-mortem examination. Pre-autopsy imaging showed a fractured skull with presence of a bullet in the head. The body belonged to a male with unrecognizable facial features, pugilistic attitude, and reduced body size caused by fire damage with sparing of the posterior surface. A large fracture was present at the skull vault. An entry gunshot wound was observed on the left side of the body of mandible, which was associated with base of skull fracture. Heat-related fractures were also noted on the right side of the frontal bone. A projectile was retrieved from the right side of the occipital lobe. Further examination showed presence of soot and hyperaemic larynx, trachea, main bronchi, and oesophagus. Black spots measuring 1 to 2 mm were present on the surface and parenchyma of the heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys. Histopathology examination showed black particles within the vessels in the affected organs. We report this rare finding in a charred body and present a discussion based on published literature on this issue.

An unusual and rare case of burn: challenge to cause and manner of death.

In the brought dead cases where the dead body is completely charred pose difficulty to autopsy surgeon in commenting cause & manner of death. Many a times, scene of incidence, the inquest report, history narrated by relatives and postmortem findings may not go hand-in-hand. Suicides by burning especially by females are very common in India, but charred (burn) body without conflagration in which manner is suicidal is rarely occurred and reported. “Char means to burn to charcoal”. Investigation in this type of cases by police officer is again a matter of his knowledge and experience. Here we are reporting such case; a well built, 26 years old married but separated, mentally stressed female living with her mother and brother since 3 years, was found in bathroom in a charred condition on 03/01/2012 around 06:30 hours. As per inquest, manner of death is suicidal. The autopsy findings did not reveal exact cause of death but raised the suspicion of homicide. So the present case report will make everyone to think over not only importance of cause and manner of death in case of charred body but also to reinforce the investigating authority for thorough investigation in favor of justice to the victim.