Assessment of Load and Descriptive Analysis of Fatal Railway Injuries at SMS Hospital, Jaipur-An Autopsy based Study During the Year 2014–15

Although less frequent than automobile accidents, train accidents have a major impact on victims’ lives. Present Descriptive Observational study was done to assess the load and analyze the cases of fatal railway injuries at the Department of Forensic Medicine, SMS medical college and Hospital, Jaipur (Rajasthan) during period of May 2014 to November 2015.

Total 5828 medico-legal autopsies conducted and among them 126 cases were found to be railway related deaths hence the load was 2.16%. Majority of railway related deaths were accidental followed by suicidal deaths. Peak incidence of victims was in 2^nd decade of age group followed by 3^rd decade. Brain was the most commonly affected organ in railway fatalities.

The present study analyses the spectrum of perpetuating factors leading to railway fatalities including human errors and mechanical failures. This may help ourselves and society in formulating preventive measures that could possibly avert railway fatalities.