Forensic overview of the Port Arthur tragedy

An overview is provided of forense aspects of the scene of multiple fatal shootings at Port Arthur and subsequent mortuary investigations along with a brief review of injury patterns of the victims. The forensic aspects of this disaster were handled extremely well by all personnel involved, despite outdated mortuary facilities. The mortuary is located within a teaching hopital which provided full support and backup allowing the forensic personnel work effectively and effeciently in a non-ideal enviroment.The autopsies were more lengthy and complex than would have been expeced in a similar number of cases in a bus or aviation accident. (AU)