Explosion-related deaths: An overview on forensic evaluation and implications

Abstract

Purpose: Explosion-related deaths are uncommon events which require expertise and confidence so that an appropriate death investigation can be performed. The present study aims to provide a detailed forensic analysis of the issues and implications arising in the event of an explosion.

Methods: A retrospective review of casualty data was conducted on electronic literature databases. Cases concerning deadly explosions registered at the Milan Institute of Legal Medicine were examined and analyzed altogether.

Results: Explosions may involve closed or open systems. A security assessment of the site is always necessary. Alterations of the site due to rescue procedures can occur; thus, on-site forensic investigation should be adapted to the environment. Then, a study protocol based on autopsy procedures is presented. Application of the postmortem radiology enforces forensic procedures both for the analysis of blast injuries and skeleton fractures, and for identification purposes. Blast injuries typically cause lacerations of the lungs, intestine and major vessels; moreover, hyoid fractures can be documented. Histopathology may help to define blast injuries effectively. Forensic chemistry, toxicology and ballistics provide useful investigative evidence as well as anthropology and genetics. Different forensic topics regarding explosions are discussed through five possible scenarios that forensic pathologists may come across. Scenarios include self-inflicted explosion deaths, domestic explosions, work-related explosions, terrorist events, and explosions caused by accidents involving heavy vehicles.

Conclusion: The scenarios presented offer a useful instrument to avoid misinterpretations and evaluation errors. Procedural notes and technical aspects are provided to the readers, with an insight on collaboration with other forensic experts.

Keywords: Blast injury; Explosion-related death; Forensic anthropology; Mass disaster; Suicide; Terrorism.

Fig. 1

An explosion caused by ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil), which occurred in a closed domestic setting. In A decapitation of the victim’s head (red arrows), and B a part of the scalp, which is completely avulsed from the face (red arrows). In C the face of the victim shows severe craniofacial damage, where a part of the scalp, the orbital cavities and the tongue can be still recognized (white arrows). Courtesy of Nucleo Investigativo Antincendi (NIA) Vigili del Fuoco Lombardia, Milan

Fig. 2

An explosion caused by LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), which occurred in an open system. The victim was working on an LPG storage tank (8,000 L), when a high-pressure gas leak hit his body. A The abdominal region is disrupted, with the liver lying on the ground (white arrows). B The left lower limb, which was found a few hundred meters away from the body. Courtesy of Nucleo Investigativo Antincendi (NIA) Vigili del Fuoco Lombardia, Milan

Fig. 3

A forensic assessment to explosion-related deaths

Fig. 4

Bruises, abrasions, and different degrees of burns on the victim’s body; furthermore, dust can be seen on the face and the hair of the victim. The woman was involved in a domestic explosion, which caused the collapse of a building

Fig. 5

Blast effects on the larynx resulting in a deep laceration of the thyroid and cricoid cartilages. This injury was caused by a domestic explosion related to a gas leak

Fig. 6

Blast effects on the lung. A The left lung is hyperinflated with pulmonary contusions (white arrows); B Subpleural patchy hemorrhages on the diaphragm surface of the lung (white arrows); C The pulmonary parenchyma is markedly hemorrhagic (white arrows)

Fig. 7

Peppered appearance of the skin caused by the small missiles creating the typical triad of bruises, abrasions and lacerations. These injuries were caused by an explosive device (trinitrotoluene), which was hidden in a car

Fig. 8

Peppered appearance of the skin with the lower extremities partially disrupted. These injuries were caused by an explosive device (trinitrotoluene), which was hidden in a car