Spontaneous Human Combustion
Rare cases of people apparently burning from within, leaving only ashes, remain scientifically unexplained.
Spontaneous Human Combustion
Spontaneous human combustion refers to cases where people have burned to death from within without external fire. Victims are reduced to ashes while surroundings remain largely undamaged.
Classic Cases
Mary Reeser of Florida (1951) was found reduced to ashes in her armchair. Her left foot remained intact. The FBI found no explanation.
Dr. John Irving Bentley of Pennsylvania (1966) was found with only his lower leg remaining.
Theories
The “wick effect” proposes clothing acts as a wick while body fat provides fuel. Other theories involve electrical phenomena or unknown chemical reactions.
While most scientists dismiss SHC as misunderstood natural fire, the unusual characteristics of certain cases continue to puzzle investigators.