A schoolboy is fighting for his life after he was hit and dragged by a train at North Melbourne station.

The year seven student was on his way home from the nearby St Aloysius College when the incident unfolded on Monday afternoon.

Firefighters used a hydraulic jack to lift the train after the boy became trapped on the tracks under the carriage.

He had reportedly been on platform six when he ended up on the railway tracks, with one report suggesting he was trying to retrieve his fallen phone.

Another report said his backpack got caught between carriages.

The child was hit and dragged several metres before the train came to a stop. He was trapped underneath for about an hour.

He was treated for lower body injuries and rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital, where he was in a critical condition on Monday night.

Firefighters rushed to rescue the boy who was under the train. Photo: Nine News

St Aloysius College principal Mary Farah wrote to parents to reveal some students had witnessed the shocking incident.

“At approximately 4pm today, we received reports that one of our year seven students was involved in an accident at North Melbourne train station,” he said.

“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.”

Families were directed to mental health support services.

“Some students witnessed this incident, and college staff arrived shortly after to support students, and the family of the student involved, who is currently recovering in hospital,” Farah wrote.

The incident caused cancellations on Melbourne’s Craigieburn line and delays on the Werribee and Williamstown lines.