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Chariot Run Over

This document reports a tragic incident involving a 39-year-old man who suffered a bilateral leg amputation after being run over by a ceremonial chariot during a festival in Karnataka, India. The case emphasizes the significant safety risks associated with chariot festivals and calls for improved safety measures, emergency preparedness, and public awareness to prevent future fatalities. It also highlights the need for further research on safety protocols and the implementation of stricter regulations to protect participants and spectators during such events.

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35 views7 pages

Chariot Run Over

This document reports a tragic incident involving a 39-year-old man who suffered a bilateral leg amputation after being run over by a ceremonial chariot during a festival in Karnataka, India. The case emphasizes the significant safety risks associated with chariot festivals and calls for improved safety measures, emergency preparedness, and public awareness to prevent future fatalities. It also highlights the need for further research on safety protocols and the implementation of stricter regulations to protect participants and spectators during such events.

Uploaded by

dr.racheldaniel29
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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DEPARTMENT OF FORENSIC MEDICINE & TOXICOLOGY

CHARIOT RUN OVER – A RARE CASE REPORT.

ABSTRACT:

A chariot festival is celebrated worldwide. A chariot procession through


the streets is one of the main events in many religious festivals in India. In the
annals of urban hazards, a singular incident emerged, a chariot run over on
someone showing the risks of the interaction between people and vehicles. The
incident highlights the significant risks associated with participation in traditional
cultural events featuring heavy, manually-pulled chariots. The case stresses the
importance of improved safety measures and emergency medical preparedness to
prevent similar future fatalities. One such rare case of traumatic amputation by
chariot run-over is being reported.

INTRODUCTION:

Chariot festivals, a vibrant tradition practiced across various cultures, involve the
ceremonial pulling of ornately decorated chariots by devotees [1]. These events,
while deeply embedded in religious celebrations and fostering community spirit,
present inherent dangers due to the immense size and weight of the chariots
navigating densely populated streets [2].

The potential for severe injuries, ranging from minor to fatal, is a growing concern
at these festivals. This is compounded by the sheer scale of the chariots and the
large crowds in close proximity, making any loss of control potentially
catastrophic.

This paper presents a case report of a particularly tragic incident involving a 39-
year-old male who, while participating in a chariot festival, sustained a bilateral leg
amputation after being overrun by the chariot. This case underscores the potential
for severe trauma associated with these events. It delves into the circumstances
surrounding the incident, and the medical implications of the injuries sustained,
including hemorrhagic shock leading to death.

The rarity of such fatalities highlights the importance of examining each case in
detail. By analyzing the factors contributing to the severity of the injuries, the
emergency response provided, and the subsequent medical management, we aim to
glean valuable insights into preventative strategies and improvements in
emergency protocols. Ultimately, this report seeks to contribute to enhanced safety
measures at chariot festivals, ensuring the continuation of these cultural traditions
while minimizing risk to participants and spectators.

CASE REPORT:

In a freak accident, a 39-year-old man was killed after being run over by a
ceremonial chariot that was used for the annual festival at the place of INDI in
Karnataka. His bilateral lower limbs were reportedly crushed under the wheels of
the chariot after he fell accidentally on the way. Indi rural police have registered a
case in connection with the incident, and a probe has begun. According to the
police, the accident took place around 10 am when the procession of the chariot
was happening on land near the temple. Though he was taken to the government
hospital and later to a private hospital, his life could not be saved. The amputated
leg was taken with him to the hospital. A probe is on to check whether he was
crushed under the chariot or got trapped in the rush. Investigative officer record the
statements of people who were present at the spot and who are also known to the
temple.

At autopsy, the traumatic amputated leg was also bought for examination and
the deceased person was moderately built and nourished. The gauze was wrapped
around below the hip joint. On removal of the muscles, soft tissues, and cut bones
were exposed. On internal examination, the lungs, heart, and liver were pale and
edematous. The lungs weighed on the right and left sides 450gm and 440gm
respectively, the heart was 300gm and the liver was 1450gm. The stomach
contained 100ml of yellowish-coloured liquid fluid with no smell. The spleen and
kidneys were also pale and edematous.

On observation and examination of history and autopsy findings, the cause of


death is due to hemorrhagic shock secondary to blunt injury to the traumatic
amputation (both lower limbs).

DISCUSSION:

The tragic case presented in this paper highlights the significant safety concerns
associated with chariot festivals, particularly in India. While these festivals hold
deep cultural and religious significance, the potential for severe injuries and
fatalities demands a critical examination of current practices and the
implementation of stricter safety measures.

Several factors likely contributed to the severity of the incident in this case. The
immense size and weight of the chariot, combined with the dense crowds and the
potential for human error during maneuvering, create a high-risk environment (3).
Additionally, factors like inadequate training for participants involved in pulling
the chariot, unclear designated pathways for movement, and a lack of emergency
preparedness measures can further exacerbate the risks (4).

The medical challenges presented by such incidents are substantial. Hemorrhagic


shock, as seen in this case, can rapidly lead to death, even with timely medical
intervention (5). The logistical complexities of managing such casualties within
large, often chaotic festival settings further underscore the need for pre-emptive
safety measures and readily available medical facilities (6).

This case, while tragic, offers valuable insights for improving safety at chariot
festivals in India. Implementing stricter regulations on chariot size and weight,
mandating clear pathways for movement, and providing comprehensive training
for participants involved in pulling the chariots are crucial first steps (3).
Additionally, increased collaboration between festival organizers, safety personnel,
and emergency medical services can ensure a more coordinated response in the
event of an accident (4).
Furthermore, public awareness campaigns aimed at educating participants and
spectators about potential dangers and safety protocols are crucial for mitigating
risks (6). By fostering a culture of safety and prioritizing preventative measures,
the continuation of these cherished traditions can be ensured without
compromising the well-being of participants and spectators.

Limitations

This study is limited by the nature of a single case report. Further research is
needed to analyze a larger sample size of chariot festival injuries and fatalities in
India. Additionally, a more comprehensive understanding of safety protocols
currently employed at different festivals would be beneficial.

Future Directions

Future research could investigate the effectiveness of existing safety measures at


chariot festivals in India and compare them with best practices from other cultures
with similar traditions. Additionally, studies exploring the economic and social
implications of stricter safety regulations would provide valuable insights for
policymakers.

CONCLUSION:

The case of death due to traumatic amputation (chariot runover) underscores


some preventable measures, which play an important role in saving the life of the
patient when severely injured. Some precautions that could have been made which
are implementing strict crowd control that can help prevent people from getting
close to the chariot during the procession. This could involve using barricades,
marshals and clear instructions for spectators and accessing the emergency medical
services. Investigating and potentially modifying the chariot design to minimize
blind spots or areas where individuals could fall and be caught underneath. Raising
public awareness about the dangers associated with large crowds and chariots. By
implementing these preventative measures, similar tragedies can potentially be
avoided in the future

REFERENCES

1. Asia Journal of Global Studies: Nos. 1-2. (2012). United States: Universal
Publishers.
2. Lochtefeld, James G. (2001-12-15). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of
Hinduism, Volume 1. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. ISBN 978-0-8239-
3179-8. James G. Lochtefeld (2002). “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of
Hinduism.”
3. Gupta, A., Singh, R., & Verma, A. K. (2018). Safety concerns and
management strategies in Indian religious festivals. International Journal of
Disaster Risk Reduction, 31, 113-122
4. Singh, S., & Sharma, A. (2020). Disaster management in mass gatherings: A
case study of Kumbh Mela. International Journal of Disaster Risk
Reduction, 48, 101680.
5. Kumar, V., Agarwal, A., & Kapoor, S. K. (2021). Hemorrhagic shock
management: An update for the intensivist. Indian Journal of Critical Care
Medicine, 25(1), 78-84.
6. Rao, S., & Mohan, D. (2019). Public health preparedness for mass
gatherings in India: A review. Indian Journal of Public Health, 63(1), 74-78.

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