A Taxi Turns Into a Miracle: The Unexpected Birth on Joo Chiat Road
Picture this: Mr Quek, a seasoned ComfortDelGro driver of 10 years, cruises down Joo Chiat Road around 10 a.m. Thursday when two women hop into his cab. One, visibly heavy‑pregnant and looking like a human work‑horse in need of a break, claims to be in distress. The other sits comfortably, ready to test the stuff‑in‑the‑back‑seat.
The Road‑Trip to Delivery
- As soon as the pregnant passenger climbs aboard, the driver notices her urgent expression.
- She settles into the back seat, takes a little stretch, and says, “I think the baby is coming.”
- Before she can step out of the vehicle, she delivers the baby right there in the cab!
Mr Quek, who insists on being called just that, immediately shoots the incident to his employer instead of the press.
The Hospital Huddle
When the cab finally hits KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the driver is summoned to the emergency waiting room. A doctor and nurse rush in, prying the newborn into a swaddling blanket and folding it into a crib, while the mother is zipped away on a gurney. The sight of the calm nurse, the hurried doctor, and the shock‑touched driver made sure everyone remembered this miraculous stop‑over.
Post‑Delivery Clean‑Up
- Blood stains appear on the rear seats.
- Mr Quek pauses for an hour, then takes the taxi to the nearest petrol station for a quick wash.
- Generators: ComfortDelGro pays him for the downtime and car wash, showing they’re properly caring for their drivers.
How Often Does This Happen?
According to the company, over the past 15 years, caretakers have reported approximately ten similar births in ordinary taxis. “It’s a rarity, but we’re glad every time our drivers can be part of such a life‑changing moment,” a spokesman said.
Why This Story Still Stirs
When a 47‑year‑old doctor’s patient suddenly becomes an entertainer while on the road, the whole bus community knows the hustle and bustle of city life is nothing but human drama. And Mr Quek’s calm, “I’m just driving along,” response is proof that professionalism can shine through even in the most surprising circumstances.
