An elderly woman has died after being hit by a four-wheel drive police car while reportedly crossing the road in Queensland.

The 71-year-old was hit at an intersection in Cairns, and police officers in the car administered first aid.

She was rushed to Cairns Hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.

It is believed three officers were in the police vehicle, which was turning at the Cairns North intersection.

Deputy Commissioner John Tims said police could not comment on whether the patrol car had activated its lights or sirens before hitting the woman, or what the crew was doing.

“That will form part of the investigation and so I don’t want to speculate now until we’ve got the full facts,” he said.

“We want to know answers, we want to be able to give answers to family and friends.”

The Cairns Post reports that the woman was understood to be crossing the road at a green pedestrian light.

The police vehicle was believed to be turning through the intersection, the newspaper reported.

Footage emerged showing the police vehicle moments before the tragedy, seemingly taking a sharp right turn through an intersection.

“We’re aware there is a video out there, I’m not going to comment on it, that will form part of the investigation,” Tims said.

Tims said the woman’s death would be thoroughly investigated.

“We are providing as much support as possible to the family of the woman,” Tims said.

“This is an incredibly sad loss and has changed the life of a family forever.

“It has also been felt by the officers involved and the QPS as a whole.

“My sympathies go out to the family and friends of the 71-year-old woman.

“Police officers go out every day to serve and protect their community. A tragedy like this is not something we want ever to see happen.”

The case is being investigated by the Forensic Crash Unit with oversight from the Crime and Corruption Commission and the Coroner.

Witnesses and anyone with dash cam footage have been urged to contact police.

-with AAP