Pathological Features of Fatal Crocodile Attacks in Northern Australia, 2005–2014 |
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| Authors: | Terence J. Sinton F.R.C.P.A. Roger W. Byard M.D. |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Forensic Pathology Unit, Royal Darwin, NT, Australia;2. School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia |
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| 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. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science crocodile fatal attack death roll crush injury bite drowning |
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