Pattern of injuries in deaths due to railway accidents-an autopsy based study

Railways are a major source of accidents because they are the least expensive mode of transportation in India, and the majority of tracks lead to populated areas. From January 2016 to December 2020, a total of 10,013 autopsies were performed in the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology at UCMS and GTB Hospital in New Delhi, with train accidents accounting for 5.58% (559) of the cases. In this study, males accounted for 92.12% of the cases, the age group 21–30 years old had the highest number of fatalities, and34.28% of the cases occurred between 6a.m. and noon. Unknown cases account for 34.17% of all railway fatalities. Abrasions were the most common external injury, accounting for 3116 (36.5%) of all recorded injuries. Undoubtedly, strict regulation and a proactive role for the law enforcement agency can reduce this mishap. Raising public awareness of safety procedures and current legislation also helps to reduce some fatalities.