Police have closed off a section of Cymbeline Drive as they investigate the collision. (Steve Fischer/CBC)

A two-and-a-half-year-old girl was transported to hospital in critical condition after she was hit by a minivan on Cymbeline Drive in the city's west end.

Police said they were called at 2:27 p.m. to the scene in the 0 to 100 block of Cymbeline Drive, in Bells Corners, near the intersection of Moodie Drive and Robertson Road.

Wtinesses said the girl was walking alongside her mother, who was pushing a stroller, when the girl suddenly ran into the road and was struck.

The child was unconscious by the time emergency crews arrived and suffered life-threatening head, chest, leg and internal injuries, according to paramedics.

Neighbours say drivers often speed along road

She was taken to Queensway Carleton Hospital, accompanied by her mother. The girl was later transferred to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

Paramedic spokesman J.P. Trottier said the child remained in critical condition as of 5:30 p.m.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the collision and closed Cymbeline between Oberon Street and Seyton Drive while they analyzed the scene.

Neighbours told CBC News drivers often speed along the road, which boasts no sidewalks.