Necrotizing fasciitis – A rare fatal outcome of road traffic accidents

Along with the benefits it provides, road transportation has many disadvantages such as traffic casualties, respiratory illnesses, pollution (both air and noise), emission of green house gases, and consumption of national resources. Of these, traffic casualties are one of the major factors that have a major effect on people’s health. Most of the victims die as a direct result of the injury. However a considerable number of road traffic fatalities actually occur in the hospitals as a result of infections and negligence, rather than as a direct result of the injury. Proper diagnosis and post-accident care of the victims become very essential in saving many lives. Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe form of soft tissue infection that primarily involves the superficial fascia. Usually it occurs after trauma or is post operative. Sepsis is the major factor responsible for the late death of victims of road traffic accidents. This study reports the case of a 48-year-old man who survived an accident with a motorized two wheeler, following which he developed a rare complication, necrotizing fasciitis and died of septic shock. This article deals with the approach of a forensic pathologist in cases of delayed death due to road traffic accidents.