Driver released by police as woman fights for life following Flinders Street collision

Police have released an update after a serious collision on Flinders Street left a woman fighting for her life.

A driver has been released by police pending further enquiries after being involved in a serious collision in Melbourne’s CBD that has left a woman fighting for her life.

On Thursday morning a woman was allegedly hit by a reversing dark-coloured Mazda as she was crossing Flinders Street near the intersection of Highlander Lane.

Police believe the driver allegedly reversed about 25-30m down the busy street when he hit the pedestrian, who was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The crime scene established by police on Flinders Street on Thursday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

The man was arrested by police and taken into custody where he assisted officers with their inquiries.

Detective Sergeant Peter Romanis said they did not know why the man was allegedly reversing.

“As to the reason why he was reversing, it is currently unknown,” Sergeant Romanis alleged.

“We are hoping he might be able to shed some light on that.”

A police spokesperson said the driver, a 33-year-old Ormond man, was released from custody on Thursday afternoon pending further enquiries.

The woman, a 44-year-old from Richmond, remains in hospital in a critical condition.

The driver of a dark-coloured Mazda that struck a woman has been released by police. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Mr Romanis said the crash should serve as a reminder for drivers to pay attention, with pedestrian deaths increasing on Victoria’s roads.

“The trend is heading up and we don’t want to see that trend continue,” he said.

“We urge all road users to be aware, and particularly for motorists to be paying attention to vulnerable road users as they navigate their way around the city.”

Detectives are investigating to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Any witnesses and people with dashcam/CCTV footage or information are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000