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A 27-year-old woman in New Zealand has been arrested and charged with child neglect after a two-year-old girl was discovered alive inside a suitcase stowed in the luggage compartment of a long-distance bus.
🚨 Incident Overview
The discovery occurred during a scheduled stop in Kaiwaka, approximately 60 miles north of Auckland, on Sunday. According to Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, the bus driver became concerned after noticing movement inside a bag when a passenger requested access to the luggage area. Upon opening the suitcase, the driver found the toddler, who was reportedly very hot but otherwise physically unharmed.
The child was transported to a local hospital for an extensive medical assessment and remained under observation Sunday night. Authorities have not disclosed how long the child was inside the suitcase or the route the bus was traveling.
👮 Legal Action and Investigation
The unnamed woman was charged with ill-treatment or neglect of a child and was scheduled to appear in North Shore District Court on Monday. Police have not ruled out additional charges as investigations continue. Oranga Tamariki, New Zealand’s child protection agency, has been notified.
🚌 Bus Operator Response
The bus involved belongs to InterCity, New Zealand’s national bus line operated by Entrada Travel Group. The company confirmed the incident and stated that police were called immediately. The service resumed after authorities ensured no further risk to passengers. InterCity’s policy allows children under two to travel free on a guardian’s lap, while children aged three and above require a ticket and must be accompanied by an adult.
🙌 Driver Commended
Detective Inspector Harrison praised the bus driver for their vigilance and swift action, which likely prevented a far more serious outcome. Local residents expressed shock and concern over the incident, describing it as “bizarre” and “unfathomable”.
NZ Police Picture by 111 Emergency
