Citation

Zdravkovic M, Milic M, Stojanovic M, Kostov M. Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol. 2009; 30(4): 403-406.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/PAF.0b013e3181c15d8c

PMID

19901805

Abstract

The authors describe 3 cases of lethal injuries caused by 7.62 mm blank cartridge shots from military automatic rifle of domestic origin (AK 47, 7.62 mm). In 1 case, the cartridge was fired from a weapon that had been leaned on the head, with subsequent destruction of brain, and in other 2 cases, the weapon had been leaned on the chests, which led to destruction of heart parts. The injuries were caused by the action of striking wave of gunpowder explosion, the air blast type. The cases demonstrate that the gas pressure from the exploding propellant of blank cartridge is powerful enough to penetrate the thoracic wall and the skull.

Language: en

Keywords

Accidents; Adult; Firearms; Forensic Pathology; Head Injuries, Penetrating; Humans; Male; Suicide; Thoracic Injuries; Wounds, Gunshot