Burns in Automobile Accidents

Abstract

In a series of 94 Swedish road accidents with cars catching fire, 72 persons sustained burns (mortality 53%). The most violent fire occurred when the fuel tank was damaged. This happened in 80% of those cars with front fuel tank. By comparing 42 fires in front tank cars with 49 in rear tank cars, the following facts could be established: Although front tank cars in Sweden constitute only 20% of all passenger cars, they are responsible for 46% of the fires, 80% of the burns, and 88% of the fatal burns.