Fatal crocodile attack.
Attacks on human beings by various animals leading to varied types of injuries and even death in some cases are not uncommon. Crocodile attacks on humans have been reported from a number of countries across the globe. Deaths in such attacks are mostly due to mechanical injuries or drowning. Bites by the crocodiles often cause the limbs to be separated from the body. The present case refers to an incident of a fatal attack by a crocodile on a 35 years old female where only the mutilated head of the female was recovered. Multiple lacerated wounds over the face and scalp along with fracture of the cranial bones was detected on autopsy. Two distinct bite marks in the form of punched in holes were noted over the parietal and frontal bones. Injuries on the head with its traumatic amputation from the body were sufficient to cause death. However, the presence of other fatal injuries on the unrecovered body parts could not be ruled out.
Department of Forensic Medicine, Murshidabad Medical College, Berhampore, West Bengal, India. Electronic address: chattopadhyaydrs@rediffmail.com.
Saurabh
S
Chattopadhyay
Biplab
B
Shee
Biswajit
B
Sukul
D000328:Adult; D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles; D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000473:pathology*; D049248:Decapitation; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000473:pathology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D020197:Head Injuries, Penetrating / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D010294:Parietal Bone / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D020204:Skull Fracture, Depressed / Q000473:pathology
Bite marks; Crocodile; Fatal