Typologie Lésionnelle des Morts Violentes Collectives lors d’un Eboulement de Terrain: Injury typology of collective violent deaths during a landslide

Abstract

Introduction. Rockfall is defined as the free or limited downward movement of loose rock material under the influence of gravity.  Heavy rainfall, natural erosion, temperature variations or extreme stresses such as earthquakes can be the cause, resulting in material damage and loss of human life. To describe the thanatological aspects of violent mass deaths resulting from a landslide in a suburb of Yaoundé. Method. At the request of the national gendarmerie, a panel of 4 forensic pathologists was appointed to carry out forensic autopsies in order to determine the causes of death and to establish the forensic form. Results. 14 victims (10 men and 4 women) were identified. Most of the lesions were located in the cephalic and thoracoabdominal regions. The autopsy itself revealed polytrauma with extradural haematomas with or without skull and facial bone fractures, open and/or closed limb fractures, thoracic contusions with or without single or multiple rib fractures, dislocating perineal wounds and evisceration. There were also signs of mechanical asphyxia.  Accidental violent death was the forensic form adopted. Conclusion. Violent collective deaths resulting from landslides have a varied lesion typology. A forensic autopsy is essential to establish the forensic form of death