Multiple deaths caused by a fire in a factory: identification and investigative issues

Authors

  • Vilma Pinchi University of Firenze
  • Viola Bartolini University of Firenze
  • Elisabetta Bertol University of Firenze
  • Martina Focardi University of Firenze
  • Francesco Mari University of Firenze
  • Ugo Ricci Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi
  • Stefano Vanin University of Huddersfield
  • Gian Aristide Norelli University of Firenze

Keywords:

Carbonization, Identification, Charred Bodies, DVI, Multidisciplinary approach

Abstract

The article presents a case of multiple casualties following a textile factory fire. The incident required a full DVI team similar to large mass-disaster because of the specific operational aspects and identification difficulties. The autopsy results were consistent with death by fire and the toxicological investigations revealed carbon monoxide poisoning in four cases (HbCO% ranging between 88,05 and 95,77), two deaths by cyanide intoxication (with concentrations between 5,17 and 8,85 mcg/ml), and in one case there was a synergistic effect of the two substances (carbon monoxide and cyanide). The identification, carried out in accordance with INTERPOL protocols, encountered serious difficulties in the AM phase primarily due to a language barrier and the lack of any dental or medical information relating to the victims. Secondary identifiers proved to be very useful in corroborating

possible identities. As a result of the combined efforts of a team of experts the identitity of each victim was determined and in all cases at least one primary identifier was used in the identification process. The deployment of DVI teams composed of forensic experts from different fields of expertise and well acquainted with DVI procedures, is essential in events involving multiple casualities that may also include foreign victims. The DVI team should intervene not only in PM examinations but also in the collection of AM data for those individuals not accounted for and by helping police in contacting families of missing people.

Author Biographies

Vilma Pinchi, University of Firenze

Department of Health Sciences, Section of Medical Forensic Sciences

Viola Bartolini, University of Firenze

Department of Health Sciences, Section of Medical Forensic Sciences

Elisabetta Bertol, University of Firenze

Department of Health Sciences, Forensic Toxicology Division

Martina Focardi, University of Firenze

Department of Health Sciences, Section of Medical Forensic Sciences

Francesco Mari, University of Firenze

Department of Health Sciences, Forensic Toxicology Division

Ugo Ricci, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi

Diagnostic Genetics Unit

Stefano Vanin, University of Huddersfield

Department of Biological Sciences, School of Applied Sciences

Gian Aristide Norelli, University of Firenze

Department of Health Sciences, Section of Medical Forensic Sciences

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Published

2017-10-17

How to Cite

Pinchi, V., Bartolini, V., Bertol, E., Focardi, M., Mari, F., Ricci, U., … Norelli, G. A. (2017). Multiple deaths caused by a fire in a factory: identification and investigative issues. The Journal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology - JFOS, 34(2), 47: 59. Retrieved from https://ojs.iofos.eu/index.php/Journal/article/view/875

Issue

Section

Identification