Injuries Due to Improvised Explosive Devices

Illegal possession of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is not uncommon. In Sri Lanka, they are commonly used for hunting, protecting cultivation, etc. Further, they are also used to commit homicides. An IED called “Hakka Patas” is produced by the material available in firecrackers and causes pressure-sensitive blasts. Another IED “Ali Wedi”, a kind of larger firecracker, may cause accidental injuries. However, the injuries caused by “Hakka Patas” and “Ali Wedi” are not reported in the forensic literature.
Case 1: A child received severe crush injuries of the foot following a “Hakka Patas” explosion while walking. The wound was grossly contaminated and on the second day, a below knee amputation was done. Case 2: A farmer received injuries to his right hand while he was throwing an “Ali Wedi”. Due to gross crush injuries, the right index finger was amputated.
Strict rules and regulations should be implemented to control illegal, locally-made explosive devices to prevent morbidity and mortality. Forensic pathologists should be familiar with the atypical patterns of injuries produced by improvised explosive devices.