A shocking incident unfolded in New Zealand when a woman was arrested on Sunday for allegedly traveling with a two-year-old girl trapped inside her luggage on a bus.
Detective Inspector Simon Harrison confirmed the woman faces charges of ill-treatment and neglect of a child following the disturbing discovery.
The alarming situation came to light when police were called to a bus depot in Kaiwaka, located 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of Auckland. The bus driver had grown concerned after noticing movement in a bag during a scheduled stop. “When the driver opened the suitcase, they discovered the two-year-old girl,” Harrison revealed.
Authorities reported that while the child appeared physically unharmed, she was “very hot” after being confined in the luggage compartment beneath the passenger area of the bus. The young girl was immediately taken to hospital for what Harrison described as “an extensive medical assessment” to ensure her wellbeing.
A 27-year-old woman was taken into custody in connection with the incident. Harrison praised the bus driver’s vigilance, stating they had prevented “what could have been a far worse outcome.” The detective inspector added that additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
New Zealand’s child welfare authority, Oranga Tamariki, has been notified about the case. The ministry will likely be involved in determining the child’s future care arrangements as legal proceedings against the suspect move forward.
