Dragged under a bus OUR LUCKY ESCAPE

They can’t believe they survived the ordeal

- Lynley Ward

As her mum lifts little Aria into the air, a gorgeous smile lights up her face. It’s hard to believe that a few weeks ago this sweet tot with blonde pigtails and a cheeky grin, and 29-year-old Renée Annan, were both pinned underneath a driverless runaway bus that had careened down a busy central Auckland street.

What’s even more remarkable is not only did mother and daughter survive the terrifying ordeal on January 13, but the West Auckland tot miraculously escaped with little more than a few cuts and grazes.

In a scene straight out of a horror flick, the pair disappeared underneath the enormous people mover, shocking distraught onlookers who feared the mum and her toddler were dead.

Resting at her Titirangi home after a spell in hospital, a grateful Renée says she’s still stunned they are alive to tell their story, and are convinced an angelic intervention spared them from tragedy.

Says Renée, who works for Rape Prevention Education, “I try not to do the ‘what ifs’ because it’s a rabbit hole, but it is just so miraculous if you think about it.

“We didn’t go under a wheel – the bus was stopped by that light pole and it didn’t drag me further. And when I think about Aria being left behind in one spot and me being dragged, it’s just so lucky. I’m not religious but it’s kind of like angels were looking out for us.”

Adds Aria’s papa James, 33, who co-parents the 23month-old, “All my family say our mum was with her. I’ve prayed to her in the past and asked her to look over my daughter while I’m not there. I reckon she was with her.”

“She was the angel,” agrees a relieved Renée.