Evaluation of Deaths Related to Railway Accidents in İzmir, Türkiye: Retrospective Original Research

Objective: In autopsy series; although not frequently in rail transportation systems, deaths are seen as a result of suicide attempts and severe traumas caused by accidents. The present study aims to discuss the data of death cases in the rail transportation systems of our region by evaluating the locations and the origins of the incidents. Material and Methods: Autopsy reports made in İzmir Forensic Medicine Institute between May 1, 2010 and May 1, 2020 crime scene investigation reports, hospital records, identity witness statements, and toxicology reports were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Rail transport system accidents accounted for 0.26% of the 25.349 autopsies performed in İzmir between 2010 and 2020, and 54 of the cases were male and 14 were female. In these death cases, the mean age of which was 43.1±19.6 years, the most common origin was determined as suicide (52.9%). The origin of suicide is followed by the origin of accident with 42.6%. It was determined that 60.3% of the cases occurred in the city, and 80.9% of them occurred as a result of the crushing of pedestrians by the trains in motion. Multiple system injuries were found in 74.9% of the deaths. In the current study, it was seen that deaths were most frequently due to head trauma. Conclusion: In the study, it was noted that accidents in rail transport systems occur more often in the city and suicides occur more often than accident-related deaths, and it was evaluated that measures should be increased and awareness should be raised at rail transport.