Patterns and distribution of injuries in railway track fatalities: A 4-year autopsy review from Haryana, India

Background: Railway-related fatalities constitute a major medicolegal challenge in India, particularly in regions with heavy rail traffic. Understanding the pattern and distribution of injuries in such deaths is essential for accurate forensic interpretation and formulation of preventive strategies. Aims and Objectives: To analyze the epidemiological profile, manner of death and injury patterns among victims of railway track fatalities in Haryana over a 4-year period. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 78 confirmed railway track-related deaths autopsied at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, from January 2018 to December 2021. Data on age, sex, timing of incident, manner of death, and external and internal injury patterns were obtained from police records, relatives’ statements, and autopsy findings and compared with published literature. Results: Of 5606 autopsies conducted during the study period, 78 (1.39%) were railway track fatalities. Males constituted 92.30% of victims. The 21–40 year age group was most affected (47.44%). Most incidents occurred between 6 pm and 6 am (55.12%). Accidental deaths predominated (78.20%), followed by suicides (21.79%). Abrasions and fractures were universally present, and lower limbs were most frequently involved in crush injuries. Conclusion: Railway track deaths predominantly involve young adult males and occur mainly during late evening and early morning hours, likely due to reduced visibility, fatigue, and increased trespassing or unsafe travel practices. Characteristic injury patterns, especially extensive abrasions, fractures, and lower-limb crush injuries-reflect the high-impact forces involved. Strengthening public awareness, enforcing safety norms, and improving railway surveillance and infrastructure may reduce these preventable fatalities.