A woman has said she is planning to file a lawsuit after a suitcase falling from an undesignated luggage rack on a high-speed train caused her premature birth, resulting in the death of her 7-month-old baby.

The woman, surnamed Zhang, claimed on social media that she was struck in the abdomen by a suitcase that suddenly fell from the luggage rack while traveling on the train D3702 between Nanning East Railway Station and Nanning Railway Station in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Jan 22.

After disembarking at Nanning Station, Zhang sought medical treatment at a local maternity and child health hospital. Due to the risk of a threatened premature birth, she underwent a cesarean section the following day. Unfortunately, her premature baby passed away two days later.

"I have found the owner of the luggage and I am preparing to file a lawsuit," Zhang said in a reply to online comments on Wednesday.

In response, the Guangzhou Passenger Transport Section of China Railway Guangzhou Group Co issued a statement on its official Weibo account on Wednesday, saying it would address Zhang's case in accordance with the law and regulations.

According to the statement, a passenger surnamed Ye placed his black suitcase on the train's luggage rack partition, which was marked with a safety sign reading "Do not place luggage at connecting parts", after boarding at Nanning East Station. When the train started moving, the luggage fell and struck Zhang.

Train staff immediately requested medical assistance over the broadcast system and worked with doctors to provide on-site care for Zhang. The train arrived at Nanning Station 11 minutes later, where Zhang, accompanied by Ye and medical personnel, went to the hospital for treatment.

The railway operators said they had continued monitoring Zhang's treatment. After learning of the baby's death, they expressed deep sympathy and condolences to Zhang and her family.

Ge Xiangrong, a lawyer with Long An Guangzhou Law Firm, stated that if the passenger had placed the luggage properly, he would not be at fault or obligated to compensate Zhang. However, if improper placement led to the luggage falling, he would be responsible for compensation.

Ge added that the railway operators have a duty to ensure passenger safety. If the railway authorities fail to implement adequate safety measures, they could also bear liability for compensation.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn