ABSTRACT
Explosive injuries are generally generated from a blast wave or its effects on structures and other objects. A fatal injury depends on a number of factors: size of the blast, degree of containment, distances of victims from the blast, intermediate or barriers between the victim and the blast, and susceptibility to secondary collapse of structures associated with the victim. Victims may be injured by the objects thrown by a blast wave or as a result of structural collapse. Structural collapses, stray electrical lines, and venting natural gas are potential hazards at a blast scene. The explosive injuries may be accompanied by thermal injuries, depending on a victim's proximity to the device or secondary fire or heat from items ignited by the explosion. Bomb parts or unexploded munitions parts may have penetrated the victims' bodies and pose a threat to investigators.
