12 out of 4000

Tragically, the death toll in Iraq has reached a new milestone--4000 American soldiers dead. That is a number you will see in almost every major news outlet, reported in the same way as the 2000 dead mark. However, a number you might not see is 12. 12 is the number of soldiers who have been electrocuted to death by faulty wiring on US army bases in Iraq.

Staff Sgt. Ryan D. Maseth was killed on January 2nd while showering on a base in Baghdad. His family was informed of his death and were told that he was electrocuted but were given no more details.

The New York Times article states,

"An Army investigation found that his death was due to improper grounding of the
electric pump that supplied water to the building, (Rep. Henry) Waxman said.
Maseth died after an electrical short in the pump sent a current through the
pipes, the California Democrat wrote in his letter."

In some cases, the families of the soldiers were given incorrect information regarding the manner of their loved-ones' death. Maseth's mother was originally told that her son was killed with a "small electrical device in the shower."

The electrocutions are being investigated, but the Army is denying any responsibility.