In a remarkable turn of events during the busy morning rush hour on Monday, a newborn baby girl was discovered abandoned on the steps of a bustling train station, still connected to her umbilical cord.
The incident took place around 9:30 a.m. at the 34th Street–Penn Station stop in New York City, where a passerby spotted the infant at the base of the subway stairs leading to the southbound 1, 2, and 3 trains. Promptly, emergency services were contacted, and the baby was swiftly taken to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition.
Authorities mentioned that the baby was conscious and alert upon their arrival. Surveillance footage from the area is being reviewed by the police to identify the individual responsible for leaving the child, with no arrests having been made as of Monday afternoon.
Reflecting on the incident, New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow dubbed it the ‘Miracle on 34th Street,’ emphasizing the swift and coordinated response of the emergency services.
This event follows a recent case where another newborn baby girl was found abandoned in a cardboard box by a passerby on a road. The baby, believed to be just a few hours old, was taken to the hospital and confirmed to be in good health by medical professionals.
The baby, found in Tuguegarao City in the Philippines, is currently under observation at the hospital for up to five days to ensure her well-being, according to May Asuncion, a social worker from the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the swift response of local citizens and authorities, emphasizing the value of every life and the commitment of law enforcement to identify and hold accountable those who abandon children.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed its dedication to ensuring justice for the abandoned child in an official statement.