A 27-year-old woman has recovered after surviving a near-fatal road crash that resulted in extensive chest trauma, respiratory failure, and a rare broncho-pleural fistula requiring emergency surgical management and prolonged critical care at a hospital in Kolkata. The patient was struck by a four-wheeler while standing on a pavement and arrived in critical condition with a compromised airway, severe respiratory distress, active bleeding, and reduced consciousness. She also had a right arm fracture. Imaging revealed multiple bilateral rib fractures, a fractured sternum, and severe bilateral pulmonary contusions.

The emergency and critical care teams promptly secured the airway, inserted bilateral chest drains, and initiated mechanical ventilation. However, her clinical course remained unstable, with persistent respiratory compromise and increasing oxygen requirements. Anticipating…