Two-Year-Old Girl Found in Luggage Compartment of Intercity Bus, Authorities Launch Investigation

A two-year-old girl was discovered inside a suitcase in the luggage compartment of an intercity bus, prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when a bus driver from Whangārei to Auckland noticed something unusual while inspecting the luggage area.

The child was found wrapped only in a diaper and was reportedly very hot but not injured. The bus had stopped at the Kaiwaka depot in the Northland region, where a passenger requested the retrieval of luggage. It was then that the driver noticed an unusual item in the compartment and took action.

According to Detective Sergeant Simon Harrison, the driver opened the suitcase and discovered the young girl inside. The police were alerted at approximately 12:50 PM, and the child was taken to the hospital for a full medical examination. She was diagnosed with only 'mild' discomfort.

Harrison praised the driver for his quick thinking and immediate response, which likely prevented a far more serious outcome. 'We want to commend the bus driver for noticing the situation and acting swiftly, which avoided potentially more severe consequences,' he said.

The incident has shocked local residents in Kaiwaka. Kristel Faber, a local shop worker, called the event 'unimaginable.' 'Just thinking about someone having the idea to put a child into a suitcase... how could someone even think of doing this?' she said.

Another local woman, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed her deep sadness over the situation. 'It’s heartbreaking to hear about such a thing. I can’t understand who would do that—putting a child in a suitcase and then placing it in the luggage compartment with other bags.'

She added that she was relieved to learn the child was unharmed. However, she was puzzled by how the suitcase containing the child went unnoticed for so long. 'I don’t understand how this situation could have escalated to that point.'

InterCity, the bus company involved, confirmed that the incident had occurred and that the police had already been alerted and were investigating. The company stated that no one was injured and that the bus service had since resumed. However, it declined to comment further due to the ongoing investigation.

Oranga Tamariki, the child welfare authority, has been informed and is in contact with the child's family to ensure the child's safety and well-being. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed.

This tragic and alarming incident has raised serious questions about the safety of public transportation and the need for greater vigilance in such environments. While the child is now safe, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of reporting suspicious behavior promptly.