title: Pathological Features of Fatal Crocodile Attacks in Northern Australia, 2005-2014.
abstract: Eleven deaths from crocodile attacks in the Northern Territory, Australia were reviewed. The male:female ratio was 8:3; age range-10-62 years, average 29.4 years. Four children were included (one boy and three girls, aged 10, 11, and two at 12 years), and there were seven aboriginal victims (64%). The attacks were witnessed in eight cases with the victims swimming in freshwater N = 5, standing on a river bank N = 1, fishing in fresh water N = 1, or diving in the sea N = 1. At autopsy, several distinct patterns of injury were observed ranging from complete traumatic disruption of the body with only incomplete remains for examination (N = 5), to crushing of the head with fractures of the skull (N = 4), crushing of the chest with fractures of the ribs and sternum (N = 2), and avulsion of limbs (N = 4). In one case, there was decapitation. Autopsy evaluations were complicated by decomposition and loss of body parts.
authors.affiliation: Forensic Pathology Unit, Royal Darwin, NT, Australia.
authors.forename: Terence J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Sinton
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Frome Rd, Adelaide, 5005, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Roger W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Byard
mesh_terms: D000059:Accidents; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles; D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia; D001344:Autopsy; D001733:Bites and Stings; D002648:Child; D049248:Decapitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: bite; crocodile; crush injury; death roll; drowning; fatal attack; forensic science