Double death electrocution in the bathtub

Abstract

We report the case of a 25‐year‐old woman and her 3‐year‐old son who were found dead in the bathtub because of electrocution. The case happened in August, which is winter, in South Africa. An electrical urn used to heat the bathwater was plugged into the mains and apparently fell into the water. The chrome taps contacted the shoulder of the woman and provided a pathway for the electrical current. Both mother and child died from electrocution, although the child showed signs of drowning. This case is unique in that it represents a double death due to electrocution in a bathtub.