A suitcase lies open on a table in this photo taken on an unknown date. CTV
On Sunday, a bus driver in New Zealand made a disturbing discovery. During a routine stop at a depot in Kaiwaka, about 100 kilometers north of Auckland, the driver noticed something unusual. One of the bags stored in the luggage compartment started moving.
Toddler Found Inside Suitcase
When the driver opened the suitcase, they found a two-year-old girl inside. Detective Inspector Simon Harrison said the child appeared very hot but wasn’t physically injured. The girl was immediately taken to a hospital for a full medical check-up. Doctors are closely monitoring her condition.
Woman Arrested for Child Neglect
Police arrested a 27-year-old woman in connection with the incident. She now faces charges of child neglect and ill-treatment. Authorities are also considering additional charges based on the ongoing investigation.
Quick Thinking Saved a Life
Detective Harrison praised the bus driver’s quick actions. “The driver prevented what could have been a far worse outcome,” he said. The child had been packed in a separate compartment under the bus, where luggage is usually stored. Without the driver’s attention, the situation could have turned tragic.
Child Services Involved
New Zealand’s child welfare agency, Oranga Tamariki, has been informed. They are working with the police and hospital to ensure the girl’s safety and long-term care. Officials are still trying to understand why the woman put the child in the suitcase and where they were heading.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Police are speaking with witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage. They are trying to determine how long the child had been inside the suitcase and whether others were involved. Authorities have not released the identity of the woman to protect the child’s privacy.
