A 10-Year Review of Railway-Related Fatalities

Choi, Young Shik

Abstract

A study of accidental railway-related fatalities was performed using the case files of the Office of the National Institute of Scientific Investigation, Seoul, Korea, during the years 1992-2002 revealed 54 cases in which either a train caused death or in which a body was found dead by the tracks. To describe the features of railway-related deaths, I reviewed autopsy, and accident report data on all such deaths. Of the total 54 railway-related deaths, men accounted for 87% of the deaths. The manners of deaths were as follows: 23 were suicides, 2 were the result of criminal violence, 9 were accidents, and 20 were due to other causes. Most railway fatalities were among men between the age of 20-40 years. Many railway related fatalities occurred under 9 o'clock and over 22 o'clock. A blood alcohol concentration >0.05 % was found in 30 cases. Fatal railway injury is characterized by extensive disruption of more than one body region. A discussion ensues concerning the most common type of accidental railway-related fatalities, why they occur, and what future work remains in order to avoid such fatalities. Evidently, fatalities more frequently result from suicides, and then victims' disregard for safety. In conclusion, it is hoped that this article will serve as a catalyst for future research on this subject.