Toddler hit by car dies in hospital

A Wanganui toddler died last night after being hit by a car at around 10.20am in Castlecliff.

She suffered internal injuries and was taken by ambulance to Wanganui Hospital where she was listed as being in a critical condition.

Shortly before 10pm a hospital spokesperson confirmed her death.

Early reports listed the girl as being three-years-old, although the hospital stated that she was two.

Earlier in the day, Whanganui police Senior Sergeant Lance Kennedy said officers did not know how the girl came to be on the road but it was possible she had run out in front of the car.

The female driver of the car, in her 30s, was distraught at what had occurred, he said.

Witnesses they had spoken to said the woman was driving at the 50km/h speed limit and she tested negative for alcohol.

A witness told the Chronicle people nearby rushed to the little girl's aid.

She is understood to be a local child.

The section of the road where the accident occurred was closed for a large part of the day while the serious crash unit investigated.

Mr Kennedy said it was too soon to say what, if any, charges would be laid.