In a remarkable and unexpected event, a woman gave birth to a baby girl aboard a subway train in New York City on Wednesday morning. The incident took place on a southbound W train at the 34th Street–Herald Square subway station around 11:30 a.m., as confirmed by the MTA.
The 25-year-old mother had been on the train for approximately 25 minutes before she alerted fellow passengers that she was about to give birth. Eyewitness Bryanna Brown recounted the moment, saying, “She started screaming, ‘I’m pregnant!’” The urgency of the situation prompted fellow riders to take action as the train approached the station.
As the train arrived, passengers informed the crew to remain stopped at the station. One of the passengers exclaimed, “Don’t move the train! A lady is giving birth at the moment.” Brown noted the surreal nature of the unfolding scene, realizing that a birth was indeed taking place.
Other passengers quickly rallied to assist the mother during the delivery. Videos from the incident captured the scene inside the train as the woman lay on the floor, with fellow riders helping to welcome the newborn into the world. Riley Allen, another passenger, described hearing the baby’s faint cry after she was born. With paramedics still on their way, Allen provided crucial post-delivery support.
In a moment of quick thinking, Allen produced a utility knife when fellow passengers asked for scissors to cut the umbilical cord. Several women came together to help the mother, showcasing the spirit of community in the face of an unusual challenge.
NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow praised the collective effort, stating, “This is another example of New Yorkers coming together to help each other, assisted by caring transit workers and other responders, reflecting the best of the subway community and this city.”
Both the mother and her newborn daughter were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were reported to be in good condition. Crichlow expressed relief and joy at the outcome, saying, “We are thrilled that both mother and Baby W are doing well, and look forward to welcoming both of them back aboard for a lifetime of reliable — and hopefully less dramatic — rides.”
This extraordinary event serves as a testament to the resilience and camaraderie of New Yorkers, even in the most unexpected situations.
