ABSTRACT
Ninety-six people died following a crowd crush at the Hillsborough Football Stadium, Sheffield, UK in 1989. The cause of death in nearly all cases was compression asphyxia. The clinical and pathological features of deaths encountered in crowds are discussed with a particular focus on the Hillsborough disaster.
Subject(s)
Asphyxia/etiology , Mass Casualty Incidents/statistics & numerical data , Pressure/adverse effects , Asphyxia/physiopathology , Cause of Death , Crowding/psychology , Humans , Sports and Recreational Facilities/organization & administration , Sports and Recreational Facilities/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
The accurate description and interpretation of non-genital injuries may be crucial in cases of alleged sexual assault, and may be important in corroborating a victim's statement of events. In many cases of sexual assault, non-genital injuries may be either absent or trivial; nevertheless, even minor injuries may be of significance and need to be recorded. Injuries may be result from attempts to restrain the victim, whereas others (e.g. bite marks) may have a sexual motive or be part of a sado-masochistic ritual. A standard nomenclature for injuries (i.e. using the terms 'bruises', 'abrasions', 'lacerations', 'incisions and 'stab wounds') should avoid ambiguity between medical examiners.
Subject(s)
Crime Victims , Sex Offenses , Wounds and Injuries/pathology , Ecchymosis/pathology , Forensic Medicine , Forensic Pathology , Humans , Medical History Taking , Physical Examination/methods , Self-Injurious Behavior/pathology , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a common cause of accidental death and suicide. This article reports 4 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning following the inhalation of fumes from disposable charcoal barbeques in a confined space. All of the cases occurred within a 2-year period in Northern Ireland.
Subject(s)
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning/etiology , Charcoal , Fires , Adult , Air Pollution, Indoor/adverse effects , Carbon Monoxide Poisoning/diagnosis , Carboxyhemoglobin/analysis , Confined Spaces , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , SuicideABSTRACT
Pipe bombs are crudely constructed improvized explosive devices which are easily made at home. They are increasingly used by terrorists and others, and may inflict serious injuries and cause death. Four fatalities have occurred in association with their use in Northern Ireland between 1998 and 2002. In 2 cases, death was due to penetrating shrapnel injuries to the chest causing laceration of the great vessels, and a third fatality occurred due to a bomb fragment penetrating the cranial cavity. A pipe bomb exploded close to the back of the head of a fourth victim and this was associated with a severe brain injury. The pathologist was able to determine the position of the victim in relation to the explosion by interpreting the pattern of injuries. It seems likely that 2 of the victims had been involved in the construction, transport, or use of the devices. A third victim was entirely innocent and had been in the process of removing a pipe bomb, which had been thrown through the window of her home, when it exploded. The fourth victim was a member of the security forces who had been struck by a bomb fragment, in the region of the right eye, during a period of sectarian unrest.
