The Invisible Current: Diagnosing a Fatal Near-Contact Electrocution by High-Voltage Electrical Arc.

High-voltage electrical arc injuries are a severe occupational hazard, but fatal cases involving a "near-contact" or "contactless" mechanism are sparsely documented and prone to misinterpretation. We present a case that integrates forensic engineering analysis with pathognomonic autopsy findings to provide a clear diagnostic reference. A 51-year-old male painter was found in cardiorespiratory arrest while using an aluminum pole to paint a commercial facade. A forensic engineering examination revealed the pole was within 170 cm of a high-voltage power line. The autopsy revealed classic electrical entry and exit wounds alongside a distinct thermal burn on the right flank. The integration of scene measurements and specific autopsy findings suggests death by electrocution via a near-contact electrical arc. The thermal burn illustrates a secondary injury mechanism from the arc flash. This case provides a clear methodological and pathological framework for diagnosing these complex occupational fatalities, where the absence of evidence of direct contact or the presence of associated thermal burns can be misleading.