A baby has been at the center of media attention these days. He's being hailed as a "miracle baby" after he was born at the scene of a traffic accident that killed both of his parents in the southeastern city of Xiamen on March 18th. The boy's miraculous survival has many people across the country offering to help.
The baby is yet to be given a name, but he's been the center of attention in Xiamen.
Everyone is rooting for the infant and volunteers have come forward to offer him their breast milk. Since the accident - and his birth - last Tuesday, the baby's condition has improved. On the day he was raced to the hospital, however, doctors warned that serious brain injuries threatened the child's survival.
"The babies' vital signs indicate he is in stable but critical condition. At the current time, the baby suffered a brain haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage and brachial plexus injury. After examining him, we also think the baby is suffering from lung contusion which can be life-threatening. We must keep a close watch on him," said lead physician Wu Jinzhun at the First Affliated Hospital of Xiamen University.
The boy's facial injuries tell the story of his horrific birth. A relative of the infant says the boy's father and mother were riding a moped on the way to hospital after the mother went into labor.
They were killed instantly after being hit by a truck that was making a turn. The truck driver remains in police custody.
"The baby was found five meters from the mother's body. The baby moved his legs and arms and cried out. We immediately went to infant's aid," said Lyu Yiwen from Xiamen Haicang Traffic Police Brigade who was at the scene of the accident.
"This accident has made us realize just how fragile life is. The baby has touched us with his miracle survival and the greatness of life. We are all in awe of this new born life."
The injured and bloodied baby boy weighed 4.2 kilograms.
"The baby was covered with dirt, sand and blood, we sent him to the paternity ward after we tied his umbilical cord. We washed him in four to five basins of water. We all hope that the baby will survive. This is a miracle of life," said head nurse Zeng Zhaozhi at Xiamen Haicang Hospital.
Charities including the local Red Cross have raised 70,000 yuan for the child and volunteers have donated diapers, clothing and milk powder. A volunteer, Chen Mingyu, has prepared two bags of necessities, including a swathing - a local tradition.
"Every new baby needs this in Xiamen. The baby is wrapped in it and shielded against the wind," Chen explained.
Chen says the design on the swathing is a blessing for peace and happiness.
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