INTRODUCTION: Road traffic accidents in India are one of the highest in the world. There is a significant increase in the mortality of RTA cases with chest injuries as compared cases without chest injuries. Aim of our study is to analyze & provide data on fatal chest RTA cases near Patna, Bihar that might be helpful in propagating preventive measures and policy making.

Material & Method: Material for this study was collected in the Dept. of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, NMCH, Patna between October 2011 to February 2014. It consists of 209 fatal RTA cases due to chest injuries brought for autopsy.

Results: Out of 209 autopsy cases of fatal chest RTA, 192 were male (92%) and 17 were female(8%). Age group between 30–60 year were affected more in both male (109 male i.e. 52%) & female (11 female i.e.5%). Most of the victims died on spot (152 victims i.e.72%). Isolated lung injuries were found in 156 victims(i.e.74.6 %) whereas 40 victims (i.e.19.4%) suffered combined injuries and 13 victims (6%) had normal lung findings. Regarding abdominal organ injuries, liver was most commonly involved (109 i.e.49.75%) followed by spleen (59 cases i.e.28.25%) and multi–organ injuries (46 cases i.e.22%).

Conclusion: This study highlights the high mortality of RTA cases with chest injury. This could be minimized by various preventive measures, prompt active management and better availability of healthcare on road &“ high–tech trauma centre “ at every district headquarters.