This Article is From Apr 09, 2011

Woman delivers baby at 25,000 ft

Mumbai: When a 24-week pregnant woman boarded a Kolkata-bound flight on Friday morning little did she know that she would experience the bliss of motherhood while cruising at the height of 25,000 feet.

Chitra Raghav boarded a Spiceject flight along with her husband and 180 fellow passengers.

But when the flight was about to reach Kolkata she stared wailing and crying as labour pain kicked in.

But she was lucky enough to have a doctor on board who came forward and helped deliver the baby.

A Spicejet spokesperson confirming the incident said, "One of our co-passengers have delivered a baby on board, thanks to the God sent gynaecologist," he said.

"When labour pain started the woman started crying loudly, our crew members tried to console her but to no avail. Soon the lady doctor came to her rescue. It took around 20 minutes to deliver the baby.

Every passenger on board thanked the doctor and showered praises on her," said a passenger onboard.

The airline is also planning to send a gift to the newborn baby. "We have decided to send a gift to the baby," added the spokesperson.

The incident was reported to Kolkata airport authority moments before landing. The airport authorities had arranged for an ambulance before the aircraft touched down at the Kolkata airport.

"Both mother and child, who were rushed to a nearby hospital immediately after the landing, are safe," said an senior official of Kolkata airport.
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