Death and Injury Patterns, Toronto Subway System 1954–1980

Abstract

Since the opening of the Toronto Transit Commission Subway System in 1954, detailed records have been kept of person/train contact incidence. Until the end of 1980, 207 people committed suicide and 223 attempted suicide and have been unsuccessful. There have been 25 fatal accidents and 11 nonfatal accidents. This study analyzes sex, monthly, yearly, time of day, and individual station statistics. We studied in detail 119 City of Toronto coroner's reports to assess the causes of death, associated injuries, and psychiatric histories of suicide victims. This included 11 patients who arrived alive to hospital but subsquently died. A number of psychiatric papers suggest that 90% of patients who attempt suicide and are unsuccessful, will not die in the future as a result of suicide and 60 to 80% will not repeat their attempt.