Toddler Found Alive in Suitcase Aboard Bus

Woman Charged with Child Neglect After Dramatic Discovery

A harrowing situation unfolded yesterday afternoon when a young child was discovered alive inside a suitcase in a bus luggage compartment. The incident occurred during a planned stop in Kaiwaka.

Alert Driver Prevents Potential Tragedy

The alarming discovery was made after a passenger requested access to the luggage area shortly before 1 p.m. The bus driver became suspicious when he noticed one of the bags moving. Upon opening the suitcase, he found a two-year-old girl.

Waitematā Acting Field Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, stated the child was found to be very hot but appeared physically unharmed. She was transported to a local hospital for an extensive medical assessment and remains there.

“We would like to acknowledge and commend the bus driver, who noticed something wasn’t right and took immediate action, preventing what could have been a far worse outcome.”

—Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, Waitematā Acting Field Crime Manager

Arrest and Ongoing Investigation

A 27-year-old woman has since been arrested and charged with ill-treatment and neglect of a child. She was scheduled to appear in North Shore District Court today. Police have indicated that inquiries are continuing and further charges have not been ruled out.

Oranga Tamariki, New Zealand’s Ministry for Children and Families, has also been notified of the incident. The discovery highlights concerns around child welfare, with child neglect cases continuing to be a significant issue globally. For instance, in 2023, child protective services in the United States received over 3.4 million referrals for suspected child abuse and neglect (ACF 2022 Report).

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward as the investigation progresses.