A woman in New Zealand was taken into custody on Sunday after a 2-year-old girl was discovered alive inside a suitcase stored in the luggage compartment of a long-distance bus.
Authorities have charged the woman with child neglect following the disturbing find.
The incident took place at a scheduled stop in Kaiwaka, a small settlement located north of Auckland. A bus passenger had asked for access to the luggage area, prompting the driver to open the compartment.
It was then that the driver noticed movement coming from a suitcase and found the young girl inside.
According to police, the child was extremely hot but did not show any visible injuries.
She was quickly taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation, where she stayed overnight for further observation.
Officials have not confirmed how long the child had been inside the suitcase or which route the bus was traveling.
The woman arrested in connection with the case has been charged with the ill-treatment or neglect of a child. She is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Her identity has not been released by authorities.
The bus company involved, InterCity, confirmed the incident occurred on one of its vehicles.
The company’s travel policy allows children under the age of 3 to ride free if they sit on an adult’s lap.
There has been no public statement from the company regarding any changes to safety procedures.
The event has raised concern among local residents and travelers, with many questioning how such a situation could occur.
As investigations continue, police are gathering more information about the circumstances that led to the child being placed inside the luggage area.
This case has drawn attention nationwide and may lead to further discussions around child protection during public transport in the country.