On the night of March 23–24 in Saint-Étienne, France, residents were awakened by cries resembling a baby’s. Investigating the sounds, they found blood trails leading to the building’s trash room, where they discovered a newborn, hypothermic and with its umbilical cord still attached.

Emergency services quickly arrived, providing medical care that saved the baby’s life. The infant, though cold, was in good health and taken to Saint-Étienne CHU for further care.

An investigation revealed the mother, a 20-year-old resident of the building, had experienced a repressed pregnancy, giving birth alone in her bathroom before abandoning the baby. Police traced blood trails to her apartment and took her to a hospital for treatment. She will be questioned when her condition stabilizes.

Authorities emphasized the swift action of neighbors and emergency personnel likely saved the baby’s life.