Born in the back of a Mitsubishi... Car birth causes traffic chaos

Wednesday 22 November 2017

If you were disappointed to be stuck in yesterday morning’s rush hour traffic, then rest assured, there’s a very good reason why.

Grouville-based couple Marzena and Matiej started making their way to hospital yesterday morning after their soon-to-be-born son started making a move - even though he was supposed to stay put for five more days.

But as they approached town, it seems the little one just couldn’t hold on.

Marzena began to give birth in the car on Route de la Liberation.

Unexpected drama in St Helier morning rush hour as a baby was born in a car near Liberation Square. The young lad & Mum Marzena are well - pictured in Hospital this PM with Dad Matiej & Gordon Hunt of @JsyAmbulance who helped out. Thanks to those who stopped to help! pic.twitter.com/rhjLk8tTaG

— States of Jersey (@StatesofJersey) November 21, 2017

Paramedic Gordon Hunt was fortunately passing by on his way to work, and was able to give the couple a helping hand. 

Several members of the public also rushed to the scene near Liberation Square to assist. They provided clothing, and helped to direct traffic. Police later attended to ensure the scene was safe and that the ambulance had easy access.

Thanks to the good Samaritans, Marzena and Matiej welcomed a little boy into the world shortly after 8:45am - in the front seat of their Mitsubishi.

Pictured: A happy dad with his newborn son. 

The newborn, who is yet to be named, weighed in at a healthy 3.3kg and is due to meet his 20-month-old sister, Zuzanna, soon.

The unforeseen drama led to traffic delays near in the Tunnel and Steam Clock area - but islanders said that the happy news was more than enough to trump their usual irritation.

A States of Jersey social media post announcing the birth has since garnered nearly 900 ‘likes’ and over 100 congratulatory comments. 

Pictured: Islanders might have had to suffer traffic delays on their way to work yesterday morning, but it was more than justified by the wheelie good news. (Google Maps) 

“Yay I drove past and saw her cradling her baby it made me sob! …God bless them and the baby is so adorable xxx amazing story to tell him!” one woman said. 

Another, who said she had been in the traffic queues around 9:10am, added: “Omg congratulations xxx now I don’t mind bn [sic] stuck in the traffic for a little cutie.”

St Helier Deputy Russell Labey, who spotted the couple as he drove by, also chimed in with good wishes.

This AM passed a lady on the opposite carriageway, car stationary, doors open, she's in the passenger seat, traffic starting to build up, said to my brother 'she looks like she's giving birth.' turns out she was, there and then, in the car. Mother and son doing fine. Congrats x

— Russell Labey (@RussellLabey) November 21, 2017

The States of Jersey commented on Twitter: “The young lad & Mum Marzena are well… Thanks to those who stopped to help!”