Police are calling for witnesses to a serious crash in Rose Bay this morning where a pedestrian was struck by a bus.

Around 9.30am, a 65-year-old woman from Rose Bay was struck by a north bound blue Mercedes Benz bus on the East Derwent Highway, in the vicinity of Yolla Street. First aid was performed at the scene by members of the public and Ambulance Tasmania. The woman was then conveyed to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition.

The bus was being driven by a 62-year-old man from the northern suburbs. He was the only occupant on the bus and was not physically injured.

The circumstances surrounding the crash are still being investigated, it is unclear as to why the female was on the road at the time.

The East Derwent Highway between the Tasman Bridge and Lenna Street was closed for approximately 2hrs whilst Crash Investigation and Forensic Services personnel investigated the crash.

At the time of the crash the weather was fine and the road was dry. Excessive vehicle speed or the use of alcohol or drugs is not suspected as a contributing factor in the crash, however investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are continuing.

Crash Investigators would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the bus or the pedestrian at the time of the crash or prior. Information can be provided to Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.