Original Research Article- Cranio-Thoracoabdominal Trauma in Railway Track Fatalities: Forensic Insights from Central Haryana

Background: Railway track fatalities constitute a significant portion of accidental deaths in India due to the extensive railway network and high human–train interaction. These incidents often produce severe multisystem trauma, necessitating detailed medicolegal evaluation. This study analyzes the pattern and distribution of craniothoracoabdominal injuries in railway accident victims over four years. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 78 fatal railway track cases autopsied at the Department of Forensic Medicine, PGIMS Rohtak, from January 2018 to December 2021 was conducted. Data regarding body condition, skull fractures, and intracranial hemorrhages, thoracic and abdominal injuries were obtained from autopsy records and police documents. Findings were compared with previously published studies. Results: Most victims (58.97%) were brought with the body intact while 41.03% showed varying degrees of dismemberment. Cranial vault fractures were present in 89.74% of cases with depressed fractures being the most common (37.17%). Intracranial hemorrhages were documented in 78.21% of victims, predominantly combined subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhage (48.71%). Thoracic injuries showed rib fractures alone in 43.5% and rib plus lung injuries in 21.79%. Abdominal injuries most frequently involved the liver, either alone (11.53%) or in combination with spleen and kidney (32.04%). Conclusion: Head injury is the principal fatal component in railway track deaths, accompanied by significant thoracic and abdominal trauma. The injury patterns reflect high-energy blunt impact typical of railway incidents. Detailed autopsy examination remains crucial for accurate medicolegal interpretation and differentiation of accident, suicide or other manners of death.