Four Newborns Die in A Tricycle in India After Mother Gives Birth on Hospital Journey
Four premature newborns have died after their mother gave birth while being transported to a hospital in a tricycle in India’s Madhya Pradesh state, raising fresh concerns about timely access to emergency maternal and newborn healthcare.
Rajni Singaram, from Naigaon village in Mandla district, went into labour during the seventh month of her pregnancy. According to health officials, she was first taken to a government health centre before being referred to another hospital because of her condition.
While on the way to the Community Health Centre in Bichhiya, Rajni delivered quadruplets inside the tricycle before reaching the facility.
Health authorities said the four babies, three girls and one boy, were born prematurely and weighed about 1.5 kilograms each. Despite efforts to save them, all four newborns died shortly after birth. The mother is receiving treatment at the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
The family’s account of the incident has drawn attention to the challenges some families face in accessing emergency medical transport. Relatives said they contacted the emergency ambulance service after Rajni went into labour but, when no vehicle arrived, they arranged alternative transportation using a tricycle.
The babies’ father said he believes the outcome might have been different if emergency medical assistance had arrived on time.
Local authorities said no formal complaint has been received regarding the incident. However, officials stated that an investigation would be conducted if one is filed.
The tragedy has renewed calls from child and maternal health advocates for stronger emergency referral systems and improved access to lifesaving healthcare for mothers and newborns, particularly in rural communities where delays can have devastating consequences.
