Deaths Due to Accidental Air Conditioner Compressor Explosion: A Case Series.

Authors :: Behera C
Bodwal J
Sikary AK
Chauhan MS
Bijarnia M
Source :: Journal of forensic sciences [J Forensic Sci] 2017 Jan; Vol. 62 (1), pp. 254-257. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Nov 11.
Publication Year :: 2017
Abstract: In an air-conditioning system, the compressor is a large electric pump that pressurizes the refrigerant gas as part of the process of turning it back into a liquid. The explosion of an air conditioner (AC) compressor is an uncommon event, and immediate death resulted from the blast effect is not reported in forensic literature. We report three such cases in which young AC mechanics were killed on the spot due to compressor blast, while repairing the domestic split AC unit. The autopsy findings, the circumstances leading to the explosion of the compressor, are discussed in this study.<br /> (© 2016 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.)