We report a case of air embolism in an industrial worker complicating a deep electrical injury in the neck. He was found dead
in an upright position while his chest and head were resting on top of a live transformer. At autopsy, there were multiple
electrical burns involving the face, neck, chest, and arms. There was a deep electrical burn associated with hemorrhage in
the neck involving the skin, underlying subcutaneous tissue, strap muscles, and the thyroid gland. The internal examination
showed a prominently bulging right atrium, which was filled with air and not blood. At autopsy, when the pericardium was filled
with water and the right atrium opened, a large number of bubbles emerged. We concluded that death was due to air embolism
complicating electrical damage to the neck veins. This case illustrates that acute complications of electrical burns rather
than electrocution-related cardiac arrhythmia can be the mechanism of death in rare electricity-related deaths. It also reveals
the difficulties encountered by the pathologist in determining the exact mechanism of death when there are competing mechanisms.
Keywords Air embolism - Electrocution - Deep neck injury - Mechanism of death - Forensic pathology