India: Newborn baby survives landing on tracks after train toilet birth

An Indian mother gave birth to a baby boy in a train toilet, and the newborn survived after falling on to the tracks.

The mother, identified as Manu, fell unconscious after giving birth on the train in Rajasthan. She has since been reunited with her son.

A guard at a warehouse near the tracks heard the baby crying and alerted the railway officials, who retrieved him.

Most Indian train toilets have a hole opening on to the tracks, and similar incidents have been reported before.

The latest incident took place on February 15 when Manu was travelling with her mother from Suratgarh to Hanumangarh, railway officials said.

The baby was born at Dabli Rathan area, a few miles from the Hanumangarh station.

The mother was admitted to Hanumangarh town hospital after the train reached its destination.

The baby was initially taken to the local hospital where he was given first aid. He was also later shifted to the town hospital.

Dr. SP Rohilla, the hospital’s chief medical officer, said mother and baby were doing fine.

The baby, who weighs only 4.4lbs, had no serious injuries and all tests were normal, hospital officials said.