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.
Bu hikaye Woman’s Day Magazine NZ dergisinin February 10 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Woman’s Day Magazine NZ dergisinin February 10 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
TREASURE & TRAUMA
The launch of the new season of Celebrity Treasure Island doubled as an eighth wedding anniversary celebration for contestant Millen Baird and his wife Siobhan Marshall, who came fourth on the show back in 2022.
JUDGE JAY-JAY
Radio diva Jay-Jay Feeney delivers her verdict on your biggest dilemmas
CASEY'S BABY JOY 'OUR GIRL IS ALREADY SO LOVED'
The Te Puke gym owner refused to let a devastating accident stop her from becoming a mother
DEAD FUNNY! SHOSHANA'S GOING SOLO
The Emmy Award-winning writer is starring in a macabre new comedy
TWO RAW SISTERS BABY MAKES THREE!
Rosa and Margo have a new cookbook and bundle of joy on the way
HOME AND AWAY'S NEW MÃORI STAR
The son of a Kiwi sporting Legend, Cantona Stewart is making waves in Summer Bay
TV STAR AIDEE 'THE NIGHT I ALMOST DIED'
The actress and director opens up about her terrifying ordeal
CARMEL SEPULONI I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A FIGHTER!
Our former deputy PM the lessons she's learnt in politics on CTI
KENNEDY & SOLLY'S ROMANTIC RACE TO THE ALTAR
The Black Ferns co-captain and her rugby star husband organised the ir nuptials in just five days!
THE BRAD & GEORGE SHOW is back!
Their lovable bromance is stealing the spotlight in Venice!