A woman from Casserres, Berguedà, gave birth to a baby boy on the C-16 motorway near Castellbell i el Vilar early on Thursday, 23 April. Officers from the Mossos d'Esquadra and medical teams from the Sistema de Emergències Mèdiques (SEM) assisted the emergency roadside delivery.
The incident unfolded when a Mossos d'Esquadra patrol, transporting a prisoner towards Barcelona, was overtaken at high speed. The vehicle then pulled over onto the hard shoulder, signalling for help with its emergency lights. The driver was rushing his wife to Hospital Sant Joan de Déu in Barcelona, but she went into labour unexpectedly on the way.
Police and Medical Teams Respond
Recognising the urgency, the police officers immediately contacted the Sistema de Emergències Mèdiques (SEM). SEM teams provided crucial assistance, helping the mother deliver her second child safely on the motorway. Following the birth, both the mother and the newborn were transported to Hospital Sant Joan de Déu de Manresa for further care.
The Mossos d'Esquadra confirmed the safe arrival of the family. In a post on X, the police force stated, "With the help of Traffic and Citizen Security Unit, mother and child arrived safe and sound." The Departament de Territori later revealed the baby's name, Àreu, in a separate social media post.
Sant Jordi's Day Celebration
The emergency birth occurred on Sant Jordi's Day, 23 April, a significant date in Catalonia. This day is traditionally associated with exchanging books and roses, celebrating Catalan culture. While many residents enjoyed the cultural festivities, this family experienced a uniquely personal and memorable Sant Jordi.
This is not the first time Catalan police have assisted in an out-of-hospital birth. In 2019, two Mossos officers from the Ciutat Vella district station in Barcelona responded to a taxi driver's alert. A woman in his taxi was about to give birth. The officers helped the mother deliver her baby outside Hospital del Mar, before medical staff arrived.
Broader Context of Emergency Services
These incidents show the quick response and versatility of Catalonia's emergency services. Police officers often face unexpected situations requiring immediate action beyond their routine duties. The C-16 motorway, also known as the Llobregat Axis, is a major artery connecting central Catalonia with Barcelona, making it a busy route for such an emergency to occur.
The safe delivery of baby Àreu highlights the effective coordination between the Mossos d'Esquadra and the Sistema de Emergències Mèdiques. Their prompt actions ensured a positive outcome for the family during a critical moment.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
