Glasgow Bus Driver Crowned National Hero After Delivering Baby on Board Service 23

​From Steering Wheel to Delivery Room: Pummy Hadebe’s Extraordinary Transit Shift

​What began as a routine day navigating Glasgow’s busy streets for McGill’s bus driver Pummy Hadebe quickly transformed into an unforgettable, life-changing emergency. Faced with an unexpected roadside delivery, Hadebe’s quick thinking and composure have earned her prestigious national recognition.

​The dramatic incident unfolded aboard Service 23 when Hadebe heard distress noises from a passenger and immediately pulled the vehicle over. Realising the woman was going into sudden labor with no time to wait for an ambulance, the driver stepped up to coordinate the crisis.

• ​Immediate Action: Hadebe alerted the traffic control office and connected with emergency services before realizing the baby’s arrival was imminent.

• ​The Delivery: Stepping out of her driver’s seat and into the role of birth assistant, she successfully helped deliver the newborn directly on the bus.

• ​First Moments: After a tense few seconds of silence, the sound of the newborn crying brought immense relief to everyone involved.

• ​Care and Comfort: Hadebe placed the healthy newborn safely onto the mother’s abdomen, utilizing a personal towel from her own bag to maintain vital body warmth until paramedics arrived.

​Both mother and baby were subsequently transported to a local hospital, where medical professionals confirmed they were doing remarkably well.

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​National Acclaim

​In recognition of her extraordinary compassion, composure, and courage under immense pressure, Hadebe traveled to London where she was officially crowned a UK Community Champion (Frontline Employee of the Year) at the UK National Transport Awards.

​Transport executives and community members alike have praised her instinctive heroism, proving that not all heroes wear capes—sometimes, they wear public transport uniforms and carry a spare towel.