Introduction: External causes are among the main causes of death in Brazil, affecting mainly the young and adult populations. Methods: Retrospective study of deaths due to external causes in Diamantina-MG, from 2001 to 2012. Mortality data was obtained from the Health Ministry's Mortality Information System, while population data was obtained from the IBGE estimates. Standardized mortality rates were calculated according to gender and group of external cause. Trend analysis was performed through adjustment of linear models using Stata 13. Results: External causes were the fifth main cause of death in the municipality, with a mean mortality rate of 44.3/100.000 individuals. Men showed higher risk of death (Mean rate = 71.5/100.000). 'Transport accidents' were the main cause of death (29.6%), followed by ‘Other external causes’ (21.5%), homicides (20.6%) and suicides (14.6%). The most affected age group was 20 to 29 year olds, while the group of 60 years or older presented the highest risk of death by these causes. There was an increasing trend based on gender (p<0.05) in general external cause mortality rates, males were more predominant in transport accidents and females in homicides. Conclusion: External causes constitute a growing public health issue in Diamantina, which requires efficient measures of control and reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]