A Cyclist’s Catastrophe: An Unusual Case of Road Traffic Accident with A Unique body Trajectory of the Victim, and Associated Baffling Injuries, Defying Stereotypes

Abstract

Introduction- Fatalities from road traffic accidents have resulted in loss of life and material resources. In India, 1374 accidents and 400 deaths take place every day, due to RTAs. Globally, RTA is the main cause of death among the 15–to 29-year-old population. Thus, all such cases must be meticulously studied to identify the mechanisms and causations to reduce such mischance. 

Case history- A young man, riding on a bicycle, was dashed to death by an unknown vehicle running perpendicular to its trajectory. He was declared brought dead by the EMO upon arrival in a tertiary care hospital. Accordingly, a post-mortem examination was conducted. 

Autopsy findings- On external examinations, rigor mortis was present. Multiple incised-looking lacerations were noted, including those in the scalp, and all over the face and neck, anterior chest wall, shoulders and upper extremities. On dissection, the base of the skull fractures and the combination of various intracranial haemorrhages were noted. The conspicuous finding was the presence of a very minimal number of abrasions over the body.

Discussion and conclusion- The injuries, produced by unusual mechanics, baffled the autopsy surgeons by simulating multiple chop wounds. Reconstruction of the event with the help of information forwarded by the police and crime scene photographs solved the puzzle.