New Zealand: 2-Year-Old Baby Found Alive in Bus Luggage Compartment, Mother Arrested
- A two-year-old baby was discovered inside a luggage compartment during a routine bus stop, leading to swift action by the driver
- Police officers responded after the incident and arrested the child's mother, who has since been charged
- The case has raised serious questions about safety, parenting, and passenger vigilance on public transport
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
New Zealand: A woman was arrested on Sunday, August 3, on suspicion of child neglect after a two-year-old girl was found alive inside a suitcase in the luggage compartment of a long-distance bus.
Source: Getty Images
According to police, the incident occurred during a scheduled stop in Kaiwaka, a small settlement north of Auckland.
How was New Zealand baby discovered in suitcase?
BBC reported that the bus driver became concerned after noticing movement in a suitcase, which had been placed in the storage area. The discovery was made after a passenger requested access to the luggage compartment.
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Upon opening the bag, the driver discovered the toddler, who was reportedly very hot but showed no visible signs of physical harm.
Detective Inspector Simon Harrison said the child was immediately taken to a hospital for evaluation, where she remained under medical care as of Sunday night.
"The driver became concerned when he noticed the bag moving. When the driver opened the suitcase, they discovered the two-year-old girl. The little girl was reported to be very hot, but otherwise appeared physically unharmed," he said.
Authorities commended the bus driver for their quick thinking and intervention, noting that the situation could have had a tragic outcome had it gone unnoticed.
CNN added that the unnamed woman was taken into custody and charged with the ill-treatment or neglect of a child. She was expected to appear in court on Monday, August 4.
The bus company involved, InterCity, confirmed the incident occurred on one of its vehicles.
In a statement to local media, the company reiterated its policy that children under the age of three may travel for free while seated on an adult’s lap.
How did Kenyans react to New Zealand incident?
Linet Nyongesa
"Huyo ni wa kuiba because a real mum who underwent the delivery process cannot do that."
Gael Pleasant
"Hizi mabag zitatuonyesha maneno. One day, this toddler will leave to tell a testimony."
Aggy Mamake Nigel
"Is she the real mum ama aliiba mtoto jameni?"
Joyce Mwale
"Guys, mental health is real. Who knows what she has been going through?"
Natashah Natashah
"Two years hangebeba haki😭😭this is sad."
Where is Baby Grace?
In other news, a two-year-old girl from Nyeri, Baby Grace, went missing on July 30, under unclear circumstances. She was last seen in the Jambo area of Karatina town.
Source: Facebook
At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a red sweater, a blue dress, blue trousers with white stripes, and green sandals.
Her case sparked a massive community search involving residents from Karatina and surrounding villages.
Elderly people, mothers, and youth joined efforts, combing through fields and crossing difficult terrain. Police officers from Karatina were also actively involved in the operation.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
