Toddler hit by taxi helped by passenger

A toddler run over by a taxi in central Hamilton today received immediate emergency care from the car's passenger - a doctor from Waikato Hospital.

The girl, aged two years and 10 months, was in a serious but stable condition in Waikato Hospital.

She was hit when she walked out in front of the taxi at the Hamilton Transport Centre in the central city, about 2.45pm.

The girl was pinned underneath the vehicle, Senior Sergeant Kent Holdsworth said.

Immediately, people in the area converged on the trapped girl, and co-ordinated efforts to pick up and lift the vehicle off the child, he said.

"Fortunately the passenger in the taxi was a doctor from Waikato Hospital, and preliminary care was commenced by the doctor and an off duty ambulance officer."

The girl had moderate to serious injuries - which could have been a lot worse, Mr Holdsworth said.

"There's a number of people involved at the scene who deserve a pat on the back. The way the public got that child out, so the off-duty medical staff could carry out initial care is worthy of our recognition," he said.

The girl was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance, where she remained in a serious but stable condition , a hospital spokeswoman said.