An original cause of drowning in an industrial environment.
We describe an original case of drowning in a wax tank in an industrial setting. The causes of death were multiple, with the association of drowning, mechanical asphyxia, and extensive superficial burns. To our knowledge, it is the first report of drowning in wax, and only 7 previous related observations of drowning in industrial environments were reported in the international literature. These accidents are more often fatal, with multiple associated causes of death due to the incriminated media. Although exceptional, these serious accidents must be prevented in potentially risky industries.
Capovilla
Mathieu
M
Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France.
Durigon
Michel
M
de la Grandmaison
Geoffroy Lorin
GL
D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000209:etiology; D002056:Burns / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D004332:Drowning / Q000175:diagnosis*; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000473:pathology