Spontaneous human combustion: a sometimes incomprehensible phenomenon

Gromb, S.; Lavigne, X.; Kerautret, G.; Grosleron-Gros, N.; Dabadie, P.

doi:10.1054/jcfm.2000.0353

Cited by 13 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Gromb and co-workers [8] have reported four cases (three women and one man) of human combustion in France over the last two decades. In these cases, burns to the bodies were located between the chest and the knees (abdomen, pelvis and genital area).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ignition of a human body by a modest external source: A case report

Palmière¹,

Staub²,

Harpe³

et al. 2009

Forensic Science International

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ignition of a human body by a modest external source: A case report

Palmière¹,

Staub²,

Harpe³

et al. 2009

Forensic Science International

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“…1,3,[20][21][22] Majority of the reports were from Europe, specifically from France. Age of the victims ranged from 44 to 74 years (mean age 59 years).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…3,20,22 However, the historical articles were mostly from Great Britain. Because of the paucity of the literature from other countries, we have no explicit explanation.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spontaneous Human Combustion in the Light of the 21st Century

Koljonen

Kluger

2012

Journal of Burn Care & Research

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The term "spontaneous human combustion" refers to a situation when a human body is found with significant portions of the middle parts of the body reduced to ashes, much less damage to the head and extremities, and minimal damage to the direct surroundings of the body. Typically, no observable source of ignition is found in the vicinity of the victim and a bad smelling oily substance is noted. In the past, such a situation was erroneously attributed to supernatural powers, as such phenomenon occurs in the absence of any witness. The purpose of this review article was to analyze articles published from January 1, 2000, on this unique type of burn injury. Further aims were to gather and present data on the causes and events leading to this situation. The literature was reviewed with PubMed interface using the key words spontaneous human combustion and preternatural combustion. Specific inclusion criteria resulted in 12 patients. A unique sequence of events takes place for the human body to incinerate to ashes. The flame burn victim has to die for the body fat to start melting. A tear in the skin has to occur for the melted fat to impregnate the charred clothes, igniting a wick effect that produces localized heat for extended period. A phenomenon called spontaneous human combustion is reality. The term "spontaneous human combustion" has nuances which are not applicable to this situation or to these modern times, therefore we suggest a new term "fat wick burns."

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“…[24]). Very recent well‐documented cases have also been published (17,25–28). Today, it seems difficult to dispute the reality of the onset of this phenomenon.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

So-called Spontaneous Human Combustion

Levi-Faict¹,

Quatrehomme

2011

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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A well-documented case of so-called Spontaneous Human Combustion is reported. Review of the literature shows that these strange observations have been reported since the 17th century, even in famous novels. There are several main features that may lead to help the diagnosis: the vicinity of the body is intact or nearly intact, some parts of the body are turned into ashes (usually the middle third of the body), whereas other parts are intact or nearly intact, burning of the body usually occurs postmortem, the cause of death is usually natural, there is often (but not always) high concentrations of blood alcohol, there is a source of heat near the body. It is indispensable to rule out a homicide by the examination of the body in situ, the autopsy, the toxicological and histopathological samples, the arson assessment, and a thorough police inquiry.

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Spontaneous human combustion: a sometimes incomprehensible phenomenon

Cited by 13 publications

References 5 publications

Ignition of a human body by a modest external source: A case report

Ignition of a human body by a modest external source: A case report

Spontaneous Human Combustion in the Light of the 21st Century

So-called Spontaneous Human Combustion

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