Abstract: Objective To analyze the features of death cases in the urban rail traffic accidents in order to prevent the similar accidents in the future and to provide reference for forensic expertise.Methods Eighteen death cases in urban rail traffic accidents between 2005 to 2008 in Shanghai were collected.The forensic characteristics were summarized in aspects of the nature of cases,the injury mechanism and characteristics,etc.Results There were total 18 cases with 14 suicide and 4 accidental incidents,aged from 21 to 55 years.Of those dead,14 died of craniocerebral injury and 4 died of traumatic shock.The injury mechanism included hit,fall and rolling.Conclusion The injury in urban rail traffic accidents have their own characteristics,mainly due to suicide,and partly due to accidental incident,and most of these cases are probably preventable.

Key words: forensic pathology, accidents, traffic, rail transit