Fatal cranial injuries caused by an electric angle grinder

A case of fatal cranial injuries caused by an angle grinder is reported. Th e scalp lesions were typical of those produced by a cutting disk in a side- slipping movement. On the cranial vault were two bony losses of substance, one of which was deep enough for intracranial penetration of the disk. Sign s of deflection of the disk, identical to those found on the scalp, were ob served on the external bony table. Because of the circumstances in which th e victim was discovered, in particular the damage to the machine which had a broken handle, and the lack of any indication of homicide or suicide, an accident is the most likely hypothesis.