Investigation on deaths related to lightning in Phanom Phrai District, Roi Et Province, May 2016

Abstract

Backgrounds: On 5 May 2016, an epidemiological officer in Roi Et Provincial Health Office reported to the Bureau of Epidemiology about three deaths related to lightning in Na Nuan Sub-district, Phanom Phrai District. The event was investigated to identify the causes of deaths and the associated environmental factors.
Methods: Medical records were collected from Phanom Phrai Provincial Hospital and the injury surveillance system in Bureau of Epidemiology. Relatives of the deaths were interviewed and an environmental survey was conducted as well.
Results: Three deaths were two males and one female. At 4:00–4:30 pm on 4 May 2016, as there was a thunderstorm with windy heavy rain, they went into a temporary shelter which was a penthouse with galvanized iron and built under three persimmon trees. After the thunderstorm, lightning struck at one of the persimmon tree, and the current transferred through the shelter. Autopsy findings showed that all of the deaths had wounds and burn marks on some areas of the body. Materials that could carry over the current such as metals, electronic device or mobile phone were not found with the deaths. Although an agricultural equipment was found under the shelter, it was not affected by lightning.
Conclusion: It could be concluded that the tallest persimmon tree near the shelter was struck by lightning and a portion of the current jumped to the victims in the shelter as a side flash. Previous events of lightning leading to deaths were occurred in this area. Hence, people should stay indoors during the heavy raining and thunderstorms. In the communities vulnerable to lightning, the method to carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be educated to the local people, the lightning protection system should be installed and health care units should be set up for first aid responses.