A young boy is fighting for life this morning after he was hit by a train and dragged several metres when his backpack became tangled between carriages.

The Year 7 student from St Aloysius College was standing on a platform at North Melbourne Railway Station about 4pm on Monday.

It’s understood the boy was hit by the train, dragged several metres and then trapped underneath it in front of a crowd of commuters.

The shocking incident was witnessed by students from the boy’s school.

Fire and Rescue Victoria used a hydraulic jack to lift the train and free the student who was treated by eight paramedics.

He was then rushed to Royal Children’s Hospital in a critical condition where he will receive treatment for severe injuries to his lower legs.

The principal of St Aloysius College has sent an email to students and parents in the aftermath of the incident to offer support.

‘At approximately 4pm today, we received reports that one of our Year 7 students was involved in an accident at North Melbourne Train Station,’ she wrote.

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A young boy is fighting for life after he was hit by a train and dragged several metres after his backpack straps reportedly became tangled between carriages (the scene is pictured)

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First responders who attended the scene are being supported by counselling services

‘At this stage, we have very few specific details regarding the circumstances or the student’s current condition.

‘Events like this can be deeply unsettling for our young people. Please be mindful of your child’s wellbeing this evening.’

First responders are also being supported by counselling services.

Metro Trains confirmed the Craigieburn line were cancelled on Monday night, sparking delays on the Werribee and Williamstown lines.