An analysis of the post-mortem findings in the 21 victims of the Birmingham pub bombings.

On the evening of 21 November, 1974 explosions occurred almost simultaneously in two crowded public houses in the centre of Birmingham. Of the 21 people who died, 18 were killed outright and 3 died later in hospital. All 21 cases showed the terrible multiple injuries associated with close proximity to a powerful explosion within a confined space. Although all the victims suffered one or more injuries which alone would have been fatal, certain patterns of injury were noted which, if appreciated early in any future similar incident, may help to save the lives of those who are futher removed from the centre of the explosion or exposed to one of lesser force.