A two-year-old girl has been found alive inside a suitcase on an InterCity bus in New Zealand, sparking a police investigation and charges of child neglect.
The child, reportedly wearing only a nappy, was discovered around 12.50pm on Sunday at a bus depot in Kaiwaka – approximately 100 kilometres north of Auckland – after the bus driver became concerned about a bag moving during a scheduled stop.
“When the driver opened the suitcase, they discovered the two-year-old girl,” said Detective Inspector Simon Harrison.
“The little girl was reported to be very hot, but otherwise appeared physically unharmed.”
It’s believed the child had been inside the luggage for nearly an hour before being rescued, according to Radio New Zealand.
The driver’s quick actions may have saved the girl’s life, Detective Inspector Harrison said, commending them for “noticing something wasn’t right and [taking] immediate action, preventing what could have been a far worse outcome”.
A 27-year-old has since been arrested and charged with ill-treatment and neglect of a child, according to Detective Inspector Harrison. Police say further charges are possible.
Entrada Travel Group, the operator of InterCity, confirmed the incident.
“Police were called to respond and are investigating the matter. No one was harmed during the incident, and the service resumed,” the company said in a statement.
According to InterCity’s website, children under two can travel for free if held on an adult’s lap. If occupying a seat, a child fare must be purchased.
The suitcase had been stored in the luggage compartment beneath the passenger cabin. The child is now in hospital undergoing a full medical assessment, and New Zealand’s Ministry for Children, Oranga Tamariki, has been notified.
The 27-year-old is due to appear in court on Monday.
Images: Shutterstock/ Google Maps
