Bus Driver Saves Toddler Stashed in Suitcase

A New Zealand woman faces child neglect charges after a bus driver found a 2-year-old girl alive inside a suitcase in the luggage compartment. The alarming discovery was made during a scheduled stop in Kaiwaka, north of Auckland, after a passenger requested access to the compartment.

Detective Inspector Simon Harrison reported the girl was overheated but physically unharmed. Authorities have not disclosed how long the toddler was in the suitcase or the specifics of the bus route. The child was taken to a hospital where she remained for observation.

The suspect, whose identity has not been released due to legal reasons, is set to appear in court on Monday. InterCity, the bus company, confirmed the incident involved one of its vehicles, noting that children under 3 travel free if seated on an adult's lap.

(With inputs from agencies.)