An off-duty doctor has come to the aid of a four-year-old girl who was struck by a car at Claremont, in Hobart's northern suburbs.
The child was taken to The Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition after being hit by a passing car about 1pm on Tuesday.
Police believe the child ran out from the family's car and into the path of another vehicle on Cadbury Road.
Senior Sergeant Karl Krelle of Tasmania Police said the car the girl had been travelling in was stopped on the side of the road when the incident occurred.
"The circumstances are that a red Holden commodore has broken down on the side of the road. Inside that car was a young four-year-old female child," Senior Sergeant Krelle said.
"While the vehicle was attempting to be repaired, the child has run onto the roadway and as a result the vehicle that was travelling in the same direction has collided with the child."
He said an off-duty doctor who was passing by provided assistance while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
Local residents also heard the incident and provided assistance.
Senior Sergeant Krelle said that the girl's father was working under the bonnet of the car at the time of the incident.
He said the driver of the car that struck the girl was "extremely shaken up" and has been taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Alcohol, drugs or speed are not considered to be factors at this stage of the investigation.
Motorists are being asked to avoid the area while police continue their investigations.
Anyone who witnessed the crash and has additional information is asked to contact Glenorchy Police on 131 444.
