A post-mortem study of 100 cases of road traffic accidents with chest trauma alone or in combination with other body region injuries were undertaken at Forensic Medicine department, Maulana Azad Medical college, Delhi. The study revealed that chest injuries with associated head injuries was present in 59% of the cases. Males accounted for 84% cases with the commonest age group of 21–30 yrs. (28%). Out of these 62% were brought dead. Haemorrhage and shock was the leading cause of death. 94% cases had multiple fractured ribs. Laceration was the commonest injury in lungs. Maximum accidents occurred at night time 9 pm–12 midnight (22%). Heavy vehicles accounted for 46% of the cases and pedestrians were the most common category of road user.
Thorax, Road traffic accidents, chest injuries
