Lightning-related death

Lightning is one of the reasons for death due to environmental disasters. Lightning-related deaths occur rarely in Sivas. This study aimed to make the medico-legal evaluation of rare specific findings which can be observed on clothings and during autopsy in a small part of the subjects who have died due to stroke of lightning. A five year-old boy who resided in his father's farm was exposed to lightning on an open field. Resuscitation failed and he was reported to be dead when he arrived at the hospital. Postmortem investigation revealed extensive burnt areas on his clothes and body. In suspicous deaths occurring on open fields, lightning should be taken into consideration as a possible cause of death. Detailed external and internal examination should be carried out along with careful crime scene investigation. It is important to determine and evaluate the characteristic findings of lightning. Carcasses of animals and damages in the trunks of trees found in the surrounding area should not be overlooked, since they may give some clues to establish a link between lightning and death