Last Updated:August 03, 2025, 16:39 IST
The toddler had been placed in the undercarriage luggage storage — a separate, sealed-off compartment located beneath the seating area of the bus

The girl was immediately taken to hospital and is currently undergoing an extensive medical assessment. (AP file photo)
A 27-year-old woman on Sunday was arrested for child neglect in New Zealand after a two-year-old girl was found stuffed inside a suitcase in the luggage compartment of a bus.
Police were called to a bus depot in the town of Kaiwaka, about 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Auckland, after the driver became suspicious of a suitcase moving during a scheduled stop.
“When the driver opened the suitcase, they discovered the two-year-old girl," said Detective Inspector Simon Harrison. “The little girl was reported to be very hot, but otherwise appeared physically unharmed."
The toddler had been stuffed into the suitcase and placed in the undercarriage luggage storage — a separate, sealed-off compartment located beneath the seating area of the bus, which typically stores passengers’ bags and cargo. Temperatures inside such compartments can rise significantly, especially in warmer weather, posing serious risks to health and safety.
According to police, the driver, noticing unusual movement coming from the luggage area, acted quickly to investigate, likely saving the child’s life.
“The driver’s quick actions prevented what could have been a far worse outcome," Harrison said.
The girl was immediately taken to hospital and is currently undergoing an extensive medical assessment. She is reportedly in stable condition but remains under observation.
The woman believed to be responsible for placing the child in the suitcase was arrested at the scene. She has been charged with ill-treatment and neglect of a child. Police say additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
New Zealand’s Ministry for Children, Oranga Tamariki, has been notified and is working with authorities to ensure the child’s welfare.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the relationship between the woman and the child.
(With inputs from AFP)
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...
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New Zealand
First Published:August 03, 2025, 16:39 IST
News world New Zealand Woman Arrested After Toddler Found Stuffed In Suitcase, Hidden Under Bus
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