The service from London Victoria was late because a woman was giving birth.
The woman had baby Phoebe as the packed commuter service heading for Ashford stood at West Malling station in Kent.
The service was delayed by 45 minutes, a spokesperson for Southeastern said, before confirming the baby is ‘doing ok’ and a bunch of flowers would be sent to the new mother.
Shortly after the arrival, Southeastern tweeted: ‘Congratulations to the mother who gave birth to a baby girl Pheobe on board the 18:18 London Victoria to Ashford train.’
It remains unclear who helped deliver the baby, although the train company spokesperson speculated members of the public were likely to have been involved, as well as staff.
‘The normal protocol for a medical emergency is for the conductor to administer first aid, but it is likely he would have had to put a message out to ask for help on this occasion,’ he added.
Unlike the usual grumbles from commuters forced to put up with train delays, most appeared jovial in their response to the ‘eventful journey’.
‘Nice to hear train driver making such lovely announcements tonight. He sounds genuinely delighted,’ one passenger remarked.
Another added: ‘That’s the first good excuse Southeastern have come up with.’
- Metro
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