Dunedin student fights for life

Photo / file

A 25-year-old Dunedin student is fighting for her life after she was struck by a petrol tanker yesterday morning.

The female pedestrian was last night in a serious condition in the intensive care unit at Dunedin Hospital.

Believed to be of Indian origin and studying at the University of Otago, she sustained life-threatening injuries after being struck in central Dunedin.

Emergency services were called to the corner of Frederick and Castle St, following reports a pedestrian had been hit by an Allied Petroleum tanker and trailer at 8.25am.

Senior Sergeant Mark Crawford of Dunedin police said the petrol tanker was travelling west on Frederick St before turning south into Castle St.

The vehicle then struck a pedestrian when she was at the crossing, he said.

The pedestrian received critical injuries and was taken to Dunedin Hospital.

A diversion around Frederick St was lifted at noon.

Police are appealing for witnesses.