The features and complexities of coincident deaths

Excerpt

When two (or more) individuals are found unexpectedly deceased at the same location a number of scenarios are possible, ranging from accidents and natural diseases, to suicides or homicides. Accidents may result in multiple simultaneous fatalities from the actions of a lethal environmental agent. Examples include carbon monoxide leaking from a defective heating or cooking device in the home environment, or methane in industrial environments such as mines, wheat silos or sewers [1]. Double deaths have resulted from misadventures with illicit drugs, or in rare cases of sexual asphyxia. Disaster victim management exercises may be required for deaths from natural events such as earthquakes or tsunamis, or from accidents involving vehicle crashes or house fires [2]. …