Two people have been taken to Christchurch Hospital after a car crashed into them while they were walking along a footpath in central Christchurch.

A St John spokesperson said they were notified of the incident on Lichfield Street at 2.23PM. Two ambulances, two rapid response units, and an operations manager responded to the scene.

A family member told chrislynchmedia.com that a car, estimated to be travelling at 50 kilometres per hour, drove up onto the footpath, knocked over pot plants, and struck her mother and stepfather.

“They are both now in hospital waiting for tests. They’re injured, and we’re waiting to hear the severity,” she said. “My mum was thrown into the air, and my dad was thrown five metres up the road.”

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“She’s currently waiting for a CT and MRI scan. My stepdad is waiting to have his head stitched and is also awaiting a CT and MRI.”

She said the driver initially fled, but was located by police.

A witness told Chris Lynch Media they had just exited Ballantynes on the courthouse side when they saw the aftermath.

“There were people lying down, obviously injured, and lots of car debris,” they said.

“Police were all running over. The people already had others around them. The car that hit the balustrades and the people was a BMW SUV. Police removed the driver from the vehicle, which was parked near Kosco, and they were closing off the road.”

St John confirmed that two patients were transported to hospital, one in serious condition and one in moderate condition.

A police spokesman said police are speaking with one person in relation to the incident.