Death by Spontaneous Combustion

BBC News – ‘First Irish case’ of death by spontaneous combustion:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15032614

A man who burned to death in his home died as a result of spontaneous combustion, an Irish coroner has ruled.

West Galway coroner Dr Ciaran McLoughlin said it was the first time in 25 years of investigating deaths that he had recorded such a verdict.

After describing some of the details of how the ruling came about, they include comments from a university pathologist:

Retired professor of pathology Mike Green said he had examined one suspected case in his career.

He said he would not use the term spontaneous combustion, as there had to be some source of ignition, possibly a lit match or cigarette.

“There is a source of ignition somewhere, but because the body is so badly destroyed the source can’t be found,” he said.

He said the circumstances in the Galway case were very similar to other possible cases.

“This is the picture which is described time and time again,” he said.

“Even the most experienced rescue worker or forensic scientist takes a sharp intake of breath (when they come across the scene).”

Mr Green said he doubted explanations centred on divine intervention.

“I think if the heavens were striking in cases of spontaneous combustion then there would be a lot more cases. I go for the practical, the mundane explanation,” he said.

Well,  so he says, but then maybe it’s a good thing for him that God is not so judgmental… I don’t necesesarily believe that all these cases are God’s judgments, but then nobody can know the mind of God, now can we?

He’s partially right though. Like it says,

Lamentations 3:22  It is of th LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

…and to add another thought…

Luke 13:4  Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5  I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.